Doncaster remembrance ceremony to light up hospice tree
The annual Balby event is open to everyone affected by bereavement, whether or not their loved one was cared for by the hospice.
A special evening of remembrance will take place in Balby next month, as St John’s Hospice hosts its annual Light up a Life ceremony. Now in its fourth year, the event at Alder Grove Church on Wednesday, 2 December, from 6pm, aims to unite families and friends in memory of those who have passed away.
The ceremony will feature carols, readings, and musical performances, creating a reflective atmosphere for attendees to honour those they miss. Organisers emphasise that the event is open to all who have experienced loss, regardless of whether their loved one received care at St John’s Hospice.
Jenny Baynham, St John’s Hospice Fundraising Manager, explained, “Christmas can be an especially difficult time when someone we love is no longer with us. Light up a Life gives people the chance to come together, remember someone special and find comfort in sharing that moment with others.”
Participants have the opportunity to dedicate a light on the Hospice’s Tree of Lights in memory of a loved one, with each dedication accompanied by a decoration to personalise and hang on the tree during the ceremony. Attendees will receive an additional decoration to keep at home, ensuring a lasting tribute throughout the festive season.
Refreshments and hot snacks will be available before and after the event. Donations raised from Light up a Life support the Hospice’s specialist palliative and end-of-life care, with St John’s Hospice relying on fundraising for about 20 per cent of its annual running costs—over £680,000 a year.
For full details or to register for the event, visit: https://yourheartsandminds.org.uk/light-up-a-life/
