St Clare to hold seven ‘Light Up A Life’ services this Christmas

ST Clare Hospice is preparing to come together to celebrate the lives of family, friends and loved ones – along with hundreds of local people – at a series of seven Light Up A Life services being held over the festive season.

Christmas can be a very emotional occasion, a special season for spending time with friends and family, and for remembering those who are no longer with us. Their absence can be deeply felt, whether their death was recent, or if many years have passed.

Light Up A Life is St Clare’s Christmas time celebration of everything that the hospice stands for – standing side by side with families from across the community in honour of their loved ones. Unique services will be held throughout the charity’s catchment area in November and December with carols, music, readings and refreshments, in the company of those who understand.

Sarah Thompson, Chief Executive of St Clare Hospice, extended the invitation to the services to the whole of the charity’s local community: “St Clare has been bringing warmth and love to the lives of people across West Essex and the borders of East Hertfordshire for more than 25 years. The care and support we offer does not end when someone dies, and our Light Up A Life services are just one of the ways we continue to support people when they need it most.”

“I warmly invite everyone in our local towns to join with us for one of our Light Up A Life services – whether that is at the Hospice, at a service near your home, or a simple period of reflection in your own home. The events are so special, and offer precious time to pause and remember those close to our hearts, in the company of others who understand.”

Two events are being held at the Hospice in Hastingwood along with five other services across the St Clare catchment area. The Hospice services, on Thursday 13th December at 7pm and Saturday 15th December at 4:30pm, are free to attend and open to everyone, whatever their faith – and are not only for the many patients and families St Clare has helped.

Once again St Clare will also be running an online Light Up A Life Book of Remembrance. This allows you to put the name of your loved one and a short personal message into the Online Book, and if you wish, to make an online donation to the hospice charity. You can also tell us which service you are planning to attend. Visit the dedicated webpage to make your dedication: stclarehospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life

The seven services are:

Sunday 25th November – All Saints Parish Church, Ashdon @ 4:00pm

Saturday 1st December – Methodist Church, Loughton @ 4:30pm

Thursday 6th December – The Abbey Church, Waltham Abbey @ 7:00pm

Tuesday 11th December – St John’s the Baptist Church, Epping @ 7:00pm

Wednesday 12th December – St Martin’s Church, Chipping Ongar @ 4:00pm

Thursday 13th December – St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood @ 7:00pm

Saturday 15th December – St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood @ 4:30pm

You can let the Hospice know which service you are planning to attend through the webpage or by phoning the event organisers on 01279 773750.

Check the St Clare website to find your nearest service: stclarehospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life

Just like St Clare Hospice’s care, participation in Light Up A Life is free of charge. However, if you would like to make a donation alongside your loved one’s dedication, it would be so appreciated by the patients and their families. With limited funding from the NHS, St Clare relies on the support of local people.