Special services to pay tribute to lost loved ones

Poignant services of remembrance will be held across the communities of West Suffolk and Thetford in the run-up to the festive season.

Over the years, the annual Light up a Life services, held by St Nicholas Hospice Care, have given hundreds of people the chance to pay tribute to family members and friends who have passed away.

Services, which will feature readings, music and prayers, will take place throughout December in Bury St Edmunds, Mildenhall, Haverhill, Newmarket, Sudbury, Lavenham and Thetford.

Sharon Connell, the hospice’s chaplain and spiritual care co-ordinator, said: “Our Light up a Life events are always a very special part of our calendar – it is something we would like the whole community to come and share in. They allow people to pay their own special tributes to loved ones who have died, regardless of whether they have been cared for by hospice care or not. The festive season often evokes a lot of memories we shared with our loved ones who are no longer with us. We gather to share memories, reflect and remember those who have died.”

Those who attend the services are also invited to bring along personal dedications, including messages, poems, stories and pictures which can be written on tags provided at the ceremonies, and tied to the hospice’s Light up a Life tree which will be present at all ten of the services.

Reservations are not required for any of the Light up a Life services other than the events at the hospice site, in Hardwick Lane, Bury, on Saturday, December 7, where space is limited. The events at the hospice will take place at 2pm and 4.30pm.

There is no charge for the Light up a Life events but donations to the hospice are welcome.

People can also remember their lost loved ones and share their tributes online (https://stnicholashospicecare.echoleft.com/campaigns/light-up-a-life) and by placing a tag on one of the memory trees, which will be present in all of the charity’s shops throughout December. Just like the services, these acts of remembrance are open to all.

For more information on any part of Light up a Life, or to book a place at the hospice’s service go to www.stnicholashospicecare.org.uk/lightupalife or telephone 01284 766133.

Light up a Life dates:

• Sudbury, St Peter’s Church, December 1, at 3pm
• Lavenham, Salvation Army Hall, December 3, at 6.30pm
• Thetford, United Reformed Church, December 5, at 6.30pm
• St Nicholas Hospice Care, Bury St Edmunds, December 7 (2pm and 4.30pm)
• Bury St Edmunds, St Mary’s Church, December 8, at 4pm
• Mildenhall, Kings Church, December 10, at 6.30pm
• Bury St Edmunds, The Apex, December 11, at 4.30pm
• Newmarket, All Saints Church, December 12, at 6.30pm
• Haverhill, St Mary’s Church, December 14, at 3pm.