Messages of love were tied around the Tree of Life outside Lincoln Cathedral
Celebrations will be held across Lincolnshire in November and December to remember loved ones who are missed
St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice is inviting the local community to celebrate the life of someone special at one of their nine Light up a Life celebrations.
The unique celebrations will see the community join together as they remember the life of someone special. Each event will feature touching readings, music and a time for quiet reflection; candles will also be lit in remembrance.
Becky Otter, Event Manager for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:
“Our Light up a Life celebrations are such a poignant time in our hospice calendar. These gatherings, which unite people in our community who have experienced the loss of someone special, bring great comfort and support to all who attend.
“Last year more than 11,000 lights shone brightly on our Trees of Life, each light representing the life of someone who is no longer with us.
“It is truly a beautiful sight and the wonderful thing about these celebrations is that they are inclusive to everyone within our community, regardless of whether they have a connection to our hospice.”
Now in its 15th year the Light up a Life celebrations are an important fundraiser for the hospice who last year raised over £37,000 to help care for people with a life-limiting illness across Lincolnshire.
For those attending the Lincoln event at Our Lady of Lincoln Church, there is an optional, torch-lit procession afterwards from Clayton’s Sports Ground past the Hospice and on to Lincoln Cathedral, where the Tree of Life will be illuminated for the whole community to see.
Becky concludes by saying: “The torchlight procession in Lincoln is utterly breathtaking and a truly moving event to witness. There is hundreds of flames flickering as far as they eye can see which evokes such a strong sense of unity.
“It is extremely humbling to be part of such special events and stand shoulder to shoulder with members of our community. They are able to support one another and demonstrate real empathy; it really is one not to miss.”
Each Light up a Life celebration will last approximately 1 – 1.5 hours, are free to attend and open to everyone, regardless of faith. There is no need to book in advance.
LINCOLN, Our Lady of Lincoln Church,
24th November, 6pm
(followed by the Torchlight Procession from Clayton’s Sports Ground, Lee Road, Lincoln LN2 4BH, 7.30pm)
SKEGNESS, St Matthew’s Church,
3rd December, 6.30pm
BOSTON, Zion Methodist Church, Brothertoft Road,
4th December, 6pm
SUTTON ON SEA, Meridale Youth and Community Centre,
5th December, 3pm
SPALDING, St John the Baptist Church,
6th December, 4pm
LOUTH, Methodist Church,
7th December, 6pm
SLEAFORD, Methodist Church,
7th December, 6.45pm
GRANTHAM, St Wulfram’s Church,
8th December, 6pm
GAINSBOROUGH, United Reform Church,
8th December, 7pm
For more information go online to: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/LUALLincoln