Loved ones remembered at annual Light up a Life event
Loves ones in Oban were remembered at a special Light up a Life ceremony last Tuesday night.
The annual event, in aid of Oban Hospice, involves surrounding a tree at the Corran Halls in lights, as well as each person turning on a candle to remember those who have passed away.
While chairman of Oban Hospice David Entwistle was too ill to host the ceremony, John MacKenzie took the reins. Mr MacKenzie highlighted the work done at the Dove Centre, stating it is going from ‘strength to strength’, thanks to the hard work of Peter Darling, Lucy Hind and all the volunteers.
‘I would like to say a big thanks to my board colleagues, staff at the Dove Centre and volunteers,’ Mr MacKenzie added.
The event featured music from the Catalina Singers, hymns accompanied by James Campbell, a reading from Reverend Robert MacLeod, piping by Angus MacLennan, as well as a prayer led by Donald MacKinnon.
Neil Horne and David Kilpatrick gave speeches outlining the impact the Dove
Centre has had on their lives.
The centre offers support to people who are battling life-limiting conditions.
Therapies, group sessions and one to one support are available for everyone affected by the illness, including families and carers.
Mr Horne said: ‘I have not been coming to the Dove
Centre for that long. I had to be persuaded. I eventually went and I don’t know when I enjoyed a morning in such a long time. It has got to the stage if I miss a Friday morning, I feel like my week is ruined.’
He said Friday mornings in Dove are filled with grown men who are there to support and help each other.
Mr Kilpatrick said: ‘A few months ago I went to Highland Fasteners on the other side of the road from the Dove Centre and I thought I must look in there.’
After being greeted by the staff, he agreed to pop back in on a Friday morning.
‘Now it is something to be looked forward to,’ Mr Kilpatrick added. ‘We chat, laugh a lot and have music.’
Anyone who would like to volunteer at the Dove Centre can do so by dropping in at 24 Stevenson Street, Oban, or calling 01631 561315.