Newark’s Beaumond House Hospice Care is offering people the opportunity to remember their loved ones at its annual Light up a Life services this Christmas.
They will include readings, songs, and time for reflection, as well as offering supporters a way to leave dedications and donations in memory of those they have lost.
Those who choose to leave a dedication will see their message displayed in the Book of Remembrance at Beaumond House and at each service, as well as having the opportunity to hang a personalised tag on the Christmas tree at each of the services.
One supporter who regularly attends the Light up a Life services is Steve, whose wife, Chris, was supported by Beaumond House.
He said: “Chris was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2017 and was supported by the hospice when she passed away in May 2019. I was absolutely amazed by the amount of care she received and the way everybody looked after her.
“I was able to stay with her, sleeping in a comfortable chair by her bedside, and I was by her side holding her hand when she passed away
“We were a very devoted couple — together for 41 years — and we were still together right until the end. She was the love of my life.
“I like to attend the Light up a Life services as they allow me to keep in touch with all of the lovely people from Beaumond House, as well as reflect on and remember all the lovely times I had with Chris and our family at Christmas.”
Andrea Ward, individual giving fundraising manager at Beaumond House Hospice Care, added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to our very special Light up a Life services, where we will gather as a community to support each other and light candles in memory of those who are no longer with us.
“Losing someone close to you can make certain times of the year, like Christmas, a little harder than others, but these services help us to find comfort by talking about those we’ve lost and sharing memories.
“Dedications are welcome in memory of anyone — not only those with a connection to the hospice — and any donations will be vital in helping us to enable our local communities to live well and die well.”
Beaumond House is now taking dedications and donations ahead of its December services, which will take place on:
Monday, 2nd December – Southwell Minster at 6.30pm.
Wednesday, 4th December – Hope Community Methodist Church, Newark at 2.30pm and 6.30pm.
Tuesday, 10th December – St John the Baptist Church, Collingham at 6.30pm.
All are welcome to join the charity at a service of their choice and no booking is required.
To find out more about Light up a Life and to make a dedication or donation, go to www.beaumondhouse.co.uk/events/light-up-a-life
For more information about Beaumond House, go to www.beaumondhouse.co.uk or call 01636 610556 to speak to a member of the team.