Local hospice invites community to remember loved ones this Christmas

The local hospice charity for Exeter, Mid and East Devon is inviting the community to join an online celebration to remember loved ones who are no longer with us.

Hospiscare will hold its annual Light up a Life celebration online once again this year to honour the memories of loved ones who have died. On 16 December from 7pm, the community can come together from the comfort of their own homes to light a candle in celebration of the lives of family and friends. The online broadcast will be filled with readings, poems, music and carols.

Rachel Hall, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Hospiscare, says “The last 18 months have been incredibly challenging but I am so proud to be part of a team that has risen to the challenge as we kept our care going in the most difficult circumstances any of us have ever known. I am proud of our patients and families too, for the amazing strength of character they have shown in facing their situation with grace and dignity.

“This year’s Light up a Life will celebrate all of these people – those who were lost to us recently as well as the loved ones we miss from years before. We have all been through this shared experience – Light up a Life is a time for us to celebrate the lives of those we miss so much.”

To join Light up a Life, simply visit the Hospiscare website or Facebook pages on 16 December from 7pm and follow the link to the online broadcast.

It is with great sadness that we share the news that our Exeter Cathedral service for Light up a Life will no longer go ahead this year, due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases. Hospiscare’s Tree of Lights will continue to shine from 15 November with each light twinkling in memory of someone special. To dedicate a light in memory of a loved one, visit www.hospiscare.co.uk/light.

Susie Healey, Friends and Family Officer at Hospiscare, explains:

“Light up a Life is for everyone wishing to remember someone special, not only those cared for by our hospice.

“As well as our online celebration and the Tree of Lights, local people can also remember and celebrate loved ones on the hospice’s Gallery of Memories – where users can post images and stories of special people who are missed every day – and in our Book of Memories, which is displayed in Exeter Cathedral and local churches throughout December.”

Susie adds, “Anyone who wishes to also make a small donation to Hospiscare can help us care for local people this Christmas, who are facing the hardest times.”

Hospiscare’s Book of Memories will be available to view from 12 December at Exeter Cathedral and other local churches.

To dedicate a light in memory of a loved one, to add a message to the Gallery of Memories or a name to the Book of Memories, or to find out more about Light up a Life, visit www.hospiscare.co.uk/light.