Thousands of lights have been lit in memory and celebration of loved ones as part of an annual campaign by St Richard’s Hospice.
More than 2,400 names have been dedicated so far with donations raising funds to support the charity’s care of patients and their families.
Two services were held at Worcester Cathedral last Friday (19th Nov) offering a place for the community to come together, light candles and reflect on precious memories of loved ones.
The evening service was followed by a procession to St Andrew’s Spire, where a Christmas tree was illuminated, full of dedicated Lights of Love, against a backdrop of music from The Salvation Army.
Watch a short video on YouTube to see the lights switch on ceremony, and hear from Biddi Kings, whose husband, Roger, was cared for by St Richard’s Hospice and who switched on the lights on behalf of patients and families.
Dedicated names are displayed around St Andrew’s Spire and in a Book of Remembrance at Worcester Cathedral. They will also be published in the Worcester News on Christmas Eve if you wish.
You can still dedicate a light online https://www.strichards.org.uk/lights-of-love-2021/ or call the Fundraising Team on 01905 958262.
Supporters who dedicate and donate online will have the added benefit of their personal message being displayed on the St Richard’s online Christmas tree.
Alison Parkes, hospice Fundraiser, said: “Lights of Love holds such a special place in the hearts of everyone at St Richard’s – and we know how important it is to our supporters too.
“It was such a privilege to welcome everyone along to reflect on and celebrate those special to them in the run up to Christmas, particularly as we were unable to hold the services last year due to Covid.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has donated towards funding our hospice care. Thank you.”
To ensure your dedicated names are printed on the banners around St Andrew’s Spire, and in the Worcester News on Christmas Eve, please submit them by Tuesday, 14th December.
After this date, you can still dedicate a name to appear on our virtual Lights of Love tree only until Thursday, 6th January.
Lights of Love is kindly sponsored by Fisher German and supported by Leigh Sinton Farm & Nurseries Ltd, Worcester City Council, Midwest Mechanical and Electrical Services Ltd, Worcester Cathedral, King’s Hawford School, Worcester, RGS Worcester, Worcester Salvation Army, LNP Sound, HOW College and John Wilderspin, Cathedral Organist.
St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones.
Each year the hospice team supports more than 2,900 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
It cost £8.75m (20/21 audited accounts) to run the hospice, including patient care and all the necessary support services.
St Richard’s is an independent charity and relies on donations and gifts in Wills for the majority of its income with the remainder funded by the NHS.
For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit www.strichards.org.uk