Light up a Life 2018

Family and friends gathered to remember loved ones at Pembridge Hospice Light up a Life in North Kensington

More than 200 family, friends and carers gathered in Kensington Memorial Park on Sunday 2 December for the third annual Pembridge Hospice Light up a Life remembrance event.

Martin Hill, the Spiritual Care Advisor at Pembridge Hospice who led the ceremony said:

“Light up a Life gives people an opportunity to honour the lives of people they have lost, at what can be a difficult time of year for many reasons. The day was a celebration of life and a chance to reflect on the people who have brought light into our lives.”

Martin led the 30 minute ceremony, which started with the lighting of a dedication candle by the Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, Marie-Thérèse Rossi. The St Charles Primary School Choir also attended to sing during the ceremony.

Guests had the opportunity to write a dedication for a permanent book of remembrance kept at the hospice and could also sponsor a Christmas light and custom-engraved wooden dove. The doves were placed on Christmas trees that were lit up during the ceremony, with guests taking their doves home afterwards.

Light up a Life is one of the many events held by the hospice movement to support people dealing with the death of a family member or friend. It is an opportunity to offer some solace during the bereavement process and to build up a connection to other people in their community who are going through the same situation.

Cathy Saraby, Senior Nurse Manager at Pembridge Hospice said:

“Light up a Life is one of the most valued events in our calendar. It enables hundreds of people in our local community to experience the warmth and joy of sharing precious memories as they come together to remember a loved one.

The local community are very generous in sponsoring Christmas lights and doves too, enabling us to continue caring for local people with a life-limiting illness”

You can still sponsor a light at the hospice and a dove to hang at home until the end of December at www.pembridgehospice.org/light

The annual event is on the first Sunday in December, so the next event take place on Sunday 1 December 2019.