LOCAL charity, St Clare Hospice, held three Light Up a Life remembrance ceremonies last weekend after icy weather led to their postponement from December. On 12th and 14th January 645 people were remembered over three ceremonies held at St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood. Each name in the Book of Remembrance, and also written on the hundreds of paper stars set amongst twinkling lights at the hospice, was a much loved and missed family member or friend.

Reah Norris, St Clare Hospice Individual Giving Manager said, “Our Light Up a Life ceremonies bring comfort and support to grieving families across West Essex. The generous donations in memory of their loved ones helped us raise just under £20,000 this year, which could pay for hours of nursing care, home visits by our medical team, and night-sitters to support and care for people at the end of their life. We are often told that nothing was too much trouble for our nurses when their loved one needed care, and we are so grateful for every donation made to St Clare Hospice as a thank you.

“As an independent charity, St Clare has to raise more than £8,000 every single day to run our hospice services. Therefore, each donation is vital in ensuring our care is there, when and where it is needed, both in people’s own homes and at our Inpatient Unit.””

“Light Up a Life is only possible because of the dedication of our wonderful volunteers and supporters including our Trustees, the Harlow Jewish community, Streets 2 Homes and local churches who took part in the service by reading or bringing a reflection. Thanks also to the Harlow Salvation Army Band and supporting singers from local choirs and churches.”

If you are struggling with your grief and would like to talk to someone, St Clare Hospice has a free telephone GriefLine (01279 945089) which is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. You can make an online tribute to a loved one any time of the year by visiting the St Clare Hospice website www.stclarehospice.org.uk

Photos credit: Vikki Lince