Photo courtesy of Stuart Wilde: www.stuartwildephotography.com
St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice has raised more than £31,000 in memory of loved ones after they welcomed more than 1,200 people to their Light Up a Life event.
The 14th annual celebration was held on Tuesday 25th November and began with an open service at Our Lady of Lincoln Church followed by a flaming torchlight procession through Uphill Lincoln to the Cathedral.
Becky Otter, Event Manager for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:
“It was breath taking to see so many people from our local community coming together to share their memories of loved ones. The flaming procession through Lincoln was simply spellbinding and it was touching to see so many bystanders show their support.
“This year is by far the biggest turn out we have had and we are so grateful for all the support we have been given. Every penny raised from this event will help to ensure that people across Lincolnshire receive the end of life care they deserve.”
The procession was led by RAF Waddington Pipe Band and followed by members of the Army Cadet Choral Band. The procession was greeted by songs from a choir before the Tree of Life lights were switched on. People were then invited to tie messages of love to the railings surrounding the tree before coming together again to enjoy mulled wine and soup.
Becky Otter said:
“It is a real honour that so many people chose to remember their loved ones at this event and it was bitter-sweet to see so many torches burning brightly. Perhaps the most poignant moment of the evening was when the procession paused outside our hospice and we were joined by our nurses and patients.
“That was a very emotional moment and many people were visibly moved by this show of respect. Overall the evening was heart warming, emotive and inspiring but ultimately it was treated with the utmost sensitivity it deserved.”