Hundreds of twinkling lights will be lit in memory of loved ones at a range of moving hospice services this winter.
In the weeks leading to Christmas, there will be five St Richard’s Hospice Lights of Love services – offering the community a place to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
The first two services will be held at Worcester Cathedral on Friday, 10th November, at 2.30pm and 7pm*.
The evening service will be followed by a procession to St Andrew’s Spire where a Christmas tree will be illuminated, full of dedicated lights of love.
Services will then be held at the Sacred Heart Church, in Droitwich, on Tuesday, 14th November, Pershore Abbey on Thursday, 30th November and Great Malvern Priory on Tuesday, 5th December.
A special Carols in the Car Park event – featuring a brass band and festive sing-along – will be held on Thursday, 21st December at St Richard’s Hospice in Wildwood Drive, Worcester.
Charlie Homer, Fundraiser at St Richard’s, said: “These moving, community services are deeply comforting for the people who attend. Many guests have had family or friends cared for by the hospice.
“We find each service unites people in their shared experience of missing a loved one, while providing support and solace through lighting a candle and taking time to reflect.
“Last year, nearly 3,000 names were dedicated and £43,000 was raised to help support our specialist care to people living with life-limiting illnesses, their families and bereaved people across Worcestershire. We are so grateful for the continued support of the community.”
Anyone is welcome to dedicate a light in memory of a loved one and attend a Lights of Love service if they wish – not simply those who have a connection to St Richard’s.
The dedicated names will be displayed in alphabetical order around St Andrew’s Spire and in books of remembrance at Worcester Cathedral, Pershore Abbey, Sacred Heart Church in Droitwich and Great Malvern Priory.
The names will be updated three times on Friday, 10th November, Thursday, 30th November and Friday, 22nd December.
All dedicated names will also be added to an online book of remembrance on a weekly basis. To view the book visit www.strichards.org.uk/lightsoflove
If requested, dedicated names will also be printed in the Worcester News on Wednesday, 20th December.
If you would like to make a dedication please go online to www.strichards.org.uk/lightsoflove or call the Fundraising Team on 01905 763963.
Lights of Love is sponsored by Andrew Grant.
- *Please note the Cathedral services will take place on Friday, 10th November, not Friday, 3rd November as stated in our Heartbeat magazine. Apologies for any inconvenience.