FOR most of us the festive season means happy family gatherings.

But for Anna Greenwood, whose son was killed just a few days after Christmas, it’s always the loneliest time of year.

This year, December 30 will mark eight years since Anna’s son Daniel, 14, was run over trying to cross the A13 at Pitsea.

The accident robbed her of her only child and her life as she knew it.

For Anna, the pain of losing her son has never dulled, but the special needs support worker, of Rectory Gardens Pitsea, has taken solace in doing something positive.

Each year she supports the St Luke’s Hospice’s Light Up a Life campaign Anna helps to promote the cause, which encourages people to sponsor a light in memory of a loved one, on one of the hospice’s Christmas trees which go up in town centres and shopping areas across Basildon and Thurrock.

Anna said: “You don’t have to have lost someone at the hospice to take part. It’s just about doing something positive in the name and memory of someone you have lost.

“I always dedicate a light to Daniel and also my mother who died two years ago, also at Christmas time. It’s something I find comfort in doing.”

Anna is now left with memories of the final Christmas she got to spend with her son, who was a pupil at the Chalvedon School, in Pitsea.

She remembered: “The Christmas Daniel died I was upset because I didn’t have any money to buy him presents.

“I was training to be a dressmaker at the time, so money was tight.

“But I managed to get enough to buy him a Blink 182 CD he really wanted and he was so pleased.

“He loved the band’s song, All the Small Things, and played it all the time.

“When I hear that song now it fills me with such emotion.

“Daniel had bought tickets to go to see the band in London, but he would never get to go.”

Two months after Daniel died, Anna made the decision to go to the Blink 182 concert with Daniel’s friends.

She said: “He wanted to go so much so I went for him. On stage the band dedicated ‘All the Small Things’ to Daniel. It was so tough for me but I’m glad I went.”

Last year, the Light up a Life Appeal raised £18,000.

It is hoped this year’s will generate even more funds for the hospice.

While most people are tucking into turkey dinners with their relatives on Christmas Day, Anna will spend the day at church and tending Daniel’s grave at Pitsea cemetery.

She said: “For me, every day is hard without Daniel. You never get over it. Christmas is harder and can be lonely because it’s so family orientated.

“Ysou see images on TV of happy, perfect families and you can’t help wishing it was you.”

Anna abandoned her plans of becoming a dressmaker after Daniel died and now works with people with learning disabilities.

She said: “I’ve found doing something else for others, even as simple as taking part in the St Luke’s campaign, can take the pressure off and ease the pain in a strange way.

“Love never dies and the appeal is a way for people to show that.”

Where can you visit?

LIGHT Up a Life carol and dedication services, will take place at the following places:

* Saturday, November 19, Station Lane, Pitsea, outside T Cribb and Sons, 5.30pm

* Sunday, November 27, Basildon Eastgate Centre, outside Debenhams, 4.30pm

* Sunday, December 4, St Thomas Church, Grays, 4pm

* Thursday, December 8, Corringham Town Centre, 4.30pm

* Friday, December 9, Wickford High Street, 6pm

* Saturday, December 10, Billericay High Street, outside St Magdalen Church, noon

* Sunday, December 11, the Green, Stanford-le-Hope, 4pm