Wroughton-based charity Prospect Hospice says its annual festive service for remembering loved ones will go ahead.
The usual scene at the annual service - this year's will be online
The virtual event, which is also open to those who have not used hospice services but would like a way to remember a loved one, will take place online at 4.30pm on Sunday, 6 December.
Access for all will be available through the hospice’s website and YouTube pages.
Sheryl Crouch, head of income at Prospect Hospice said: “This year we had to completely rethink the way we deliver our care and take much more of it to our patients in their own homes.
"Much like our care, when it came to our events, we knew quite early on in the first lockdown that we wouldn’t be able to gather together as we have in previous years to remember loved ones. We knew Light up a Life was one event we couldn’t cancel but needed to look at differently so we’re going to bring this to people in their homes too.
“For many of our supporters, this is a really important time of year as they spend time with their families and remember those who are no longer with us.
"Whether a loss is recent or many years ago, the festive period is often a difficult time for people as they reflect on fond memories, and we know Light up a Life is a welcomed event in the festive calendar as somewhere they can come to remember those they’ve loved and lost.
"We’ve therefore done everything we can to retain the elements we know our supporters look forward to, while bringing it to them in their own home for the first time.”
The service will keep many of the traditions that those who have been attending over the years will be familiar with, including readings, carols, the procession of lantern bearers and the important lighting of the Light up a Life candle, as we remember those special people in our lives.
For those who make a donation to the hospice as part of the Light up a Life appeal, the hospice is also offering a service pack, which includes a candle, order of service and a star tag to hang up at home.
Over the years the hospice remembrance service has been attended by many who have experienced hospice services.
However, with many experiencing the loss of a loved one or lost contact with their family and friends as normal routines have changed over the last year, without the constraint of space in the hospice grounds, the hospice is hoping to welcome many more to this year's service.
Ms Crouch added: “We know it’s been an incredibly difficult year for so many members of our community so, whether you’ve experienced hospice services or not, we’d like to invite everyone to join us on the evening of 6 December and remember those who can’t be with us.”
As part of the service, supporters are able to add the names of their loved ones to both the service and the book of remembrance.
People who would like loved ones included should be sure to let the hospice know before Friday, 20 November.
More information can be found at www.prospect-hospice.net/lightupalife
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