This year over 1700 people from across Leicestershire and Rutland attended the annual Light Up a Life remembrance service at LOROS Hospice. The special outdoor service for lighting a light on the Christmas tree, in memory of a loved one, was held in the hospice grounds on Sunday 7th December.
Jennifer, Lady Gretton, President of LOROS said: “Christmas is a special time of the year but for many people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland they will be facing their first Christmas without someone they were close to. I hope that they took comfort from this service.”
As the lights were lit on the tree, there were carols, prayers and a pause to remember, to reflect on memories and to celebrate the lives of loved ones.
Music was provided by the New Parks Hand Bell Ringers led by Joan Farmer, Leicester South Salvation Army Band led by John Broadhurst (Conductor) and singing by the LOROS Singers, led by Judy Dodd. Special thanks were given to Arriva Buses and County Hall for the free Park and Ride facility to help the event run smoothly.
With more than 300 events taking place across the UK this year, the LOROS Light up a Life event is part of the nationwide campaign by the hospice movement to support people dealing with the death of someone they care about.
Jo Kavanagh, Director of Care Services at LOROS Hospice said: “An important part of hospice care is the support provided to friends and family of a patient after they have died. A Light up a Life event is one of the many ways that hospices help people come to terms with the loss of someone close to them and warmly remember a loved one for years to come.
“Like all independent hospices, LOROS is reliant on the generosity of the local community to fund its vital services. Light up a Life events help hospices to raise the money needed to provide care that is tailored to patients’ individual needs and supports their friends and family too.”
The names of loved ones will be entered in to the Book of Remembrance and will be displayed in the Chapel/Prayer Room at the Hospice. To sponsor a light in memory of a loved one please contact the Hospice for an application form.
If you were unable to attend the service you are still very welcome to visit the Hospice to see the tree lights before 5th January 2015. For further details please contact LOROS on (0116) 2318431/2.
