Uplifting event lights up lives

Hospice’s remembrance ceremony

MORE than 340 people attended a moving ceremony to light up the lives of loved ones at a special hospice event.

The annual Michael Sobell Hospice Light up a Life event is a chance for people to come together and remember those they have lost – whether they received care at the hospice or not.

Marked with poignant readings by staff, the non-religious ceremony was also attended by the Mayor of Hillingdon, Catherine Dann, who has chosen to raise funds for the Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, hospice during her mayoral year.

Some 35 members of the Lemon Tuesday Choir sang a collection of moving songs before guests held a minute’s silence and lit a candle in memory of family members or friends.

The choir, Rickmansworth, performed at the annually since 2007.

Musical director Martin Smith said: “We were delighted to be asked to perform again. We are all aware of the great work of the hospice, even if we haven’t experienced it.

“It is a nice opportunity for us to give back to the community and there is nothing nicer than singing from have event songs with emotional content that the audience can relate to.”

Candles were placed at the bottom of the hospice’s Light up a Life Tree, each glowing light representing the life of somebody dear.

The tree will stay lit until January 5.

The ceremony was an emotional but uplifting event and was just one of more than 350 similar events held at hospices nationwide at this time of the year.

People can also celebrate the life of their loved ones by dedicating a star on the Light up a Life website, www.light-up-a-life.org. uk.

Those who do this are asked to make a small donation to the hospice which will go directly to helping others who need the care and support provided.