Hundreds will gather to remember a loved one at Light Up A Life this Christmas

Hundreds of people and their families from all over West Essex and East Herts will gather to remember a loved one at a St Clare Hospice Light Up A Life service this festive season.

St Clare Hospice will host seven unique Light Up A Life services in the Epping Forest and Uttlesford districts throughout November and December, with carols, readings and refreshments to be enjoyed at the special services. These annual events encourage local people to come together to celebrate the lives of family, friends and loved ones during the Christmas period, in the company of others who understand.

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. St Clare warmly invites everyone in the local community to join them at one of their Light Up A Life Services, whether it is at the Hospice, at a service near your home, or a simple period of reflection in your own home.

St Clare’s first Light Up A Life service will be on Sunday 25th November at All Saints Parish Church in Ashdon, starting at 4pm. As with all seven events, they are free to attend and open to everyone, whatever their faith – and are not only for the many families St Clare has helped.

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

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 a donation to the hospice charity. You can also tell St Clare which service you are planning to attend.

Visit the dedicated webpage to make your dedication: stclarehospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life

You can also let the Hospice know which service you are planning to attend 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