Light Up a Life and keep loved ones’ memories alive

A local charity is inviting the community to ‘Light Up a Life’ and remember those special to them this Christmas.

‘Light Up a Life’ by Havens Hospices gives people the opportunity to dedicate a light on the hospices’ Christmas trees in memory of someone close to them.

Not only does a donation dedicate a light, but the charity will also send a special card to keep, honouring loved ones, and a tag for supporters to hang on their own tree at home.

If a dedication is received by Monday 18th November, names of loved ones will be placed inside a Book of Remembrance available to view throughout December and into 2025 at Canvey Methodist Church, Southend Crematorium, St Mary’s Church in Prittlewell and Fair Havens Hospice.

Every dedication will help raise vital funds so Havens Hospices can be there for every child, young person, and adult needing specialist care and support.

The charity will be holding its free local special remembrance services on various dates throughout December:

  • St Mary’s Church, Prittlewell, SS2 6LQ – Sunday 1st December, 4pm
  • Canvey Methodist Church, SS8 9AB – Saturday 7th December, 4pm
  • Hadleigh Salvation Army Temple, SS7 2PR – Sunday 8th December, 4pm

New for this year – Robins of Remembrance

Havens Hospices has also introduced another special way to remember loved ones this winter.

Its ‘Robins of Remembrance’ campaign invites supporters to purchase a bespoke robin decoration to keep and remember someone special at home.

For every decoration purchased for £15, Havens Hospices will also hang a matching robin decoration at either of its hospices, Fair Havens or Little Havens, creating a beautiful display that celebrates the lives of those missed.

Robins are often seen as a sign that loved ones are near, making them the perfect symbol for this time of year, bringing comfort and making a difference to local people supported by Havens Hospices.

Sharon Davies,from the In Memory Team at Havens Hospices, says: “Every Christmas, our Light Up a Life campaign is embraced warmly in the hearts of the local community, and this year we hope our new Robins of Remembrance campaign will also bring comfort to those missing loved ones.

“Havens Hospices raised more than £40,000 last year through Light Up a Life, which helped to care for more local people facing the devasting news of an incurable condition.

“Havens Hospices understands that the festive season can sometimes be a difficult time for many. Light up a Life and Robins of Remembrance were created especially to make space and time to honour and remember the life, or lives, of the people who matter to you.

“You don’t have to have experienced our hospice care to dedicate a light, attend a remembrance service or purchase a Robins of Remembrance – everyone in our community is welcome.”

To Light up a Life in memory of a loved one today, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/lual

To purchase a Robins of Remembrance keepsake decoration, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/robins

Published on 4th November 2024

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