Light Up a Life in memory of your loved ones this Christmas

November 18, 2022

A local charity is launching its annual Christmas remembrance campaign.

‘Light Up a Life’ by Havens Hospices gives people the opportunity to dedicate a light on the hospices’ Christmas trees in memory of someone close to them.

Not only does a donation dedicate a light, but the charity will also send a personalised remembrance card and a tag for supporters to hang on their own tree at home.

If a dedication is received by Wednesday 23rd November, names of loved ones will be placed inside a Book of Remembrance available to view throughout December and into 2023 at Canvey Methodist Church, Southend Crematorium, St Mary’s Church in Prittlewell and Fair Havens Hospice.

Every dedication will be supporting local families in need of specialist hospice care, helping them make treasured memories this Christmas.

Keeping with tradition, the charity will also be holding its local special remembrance services on various dates throughout December:

Saturday 3rd December at 4pm - Canvey Methodist Church, SS8 9AB

Sunday 4th December at 4.15pm – Prittlewell Priory, Southend, SS2 6NB

Saturday 10th December at 2.30pm - Southend Crematorium, SS2 5PX

Sunday 11th December at 4pm - Hadleigh Salvation Army Temple, SS7 2PF

This year a new service will be held at The Boundary, Garons Park on Saturday 17th December at 4pm. This service is aimed at those of all faiths or none, and will include reflective readings, opportunities to remember loved ones and seasonal music, as well as hot drinks and mince pies.

Last year, just over 900 people came together in grief, remembrance and in celebration of the people they love, miss and hold in their hearts.

Sharon Davies, organiser of the campaign at Havens Hospices, said: “Our Light Up a Life appeal raised more than £40,000 last year, which enabled Havens Hospices to care for more people facing the most difficult of journeys, and allowed families to make precious and treasured memories.

“Havens Hospices understands that the festive season can sometimes be a difficult time many, particularly for anyone who is experiencing bereavement. Light up a Life is an opportunity to bring together our community to grieve and remember our family and friends.  You don’t have to have experienced our hospice care to dedicate a light and anyone can join our services.

“When our Christmas trees are lit up, they are a beautiful and touching reminder of special people who are no longer with us, with every sparkle representing the life of someone who is greatly missed and fondly remembered.” Havens Hospices provides palliative nursing and supportive care to adults, young people and children living with complex or incurable conditions across Essex. Its specialist Care Teams can support them and their family throughout illness, death and bereavement, in the comfort of their own home or at its hospices. To Light up a Life in memory of a loved one today, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/lual or call Sharon on 01702 220 310.