Hundreds gathered at Hereford Cathedral to remember loved ones during a festive event led by St Michael’s Hospice.
This was the first time in three years that the charity’s Light up a Life service had welcomed an audience because of previous Covid restrictions. Well over 500 people were moved by performances from Ledbury Community Brass Band and the Sing Out Strong choir, alongside readings, many from Hospice staff.
Light up a Life encourages people to remember loved ones over the festive period by dedicating online lights. Their names are also included in Books of Remembrance and on a Wall of Remembrance outside the Cathedral.
“We’re delighted so many people were able to join us for this year’s Light up a Life event at Hereford Cathedral,” said Rev Peter Spence, the Hospice’s Spiritual Care Lead. “It’s always such a beautiful, moving service, and given the fact this was the first time we had been able to hold Light up a Life in person since 2019 made it all the more special.
“Those we miss are, of course, always on our minds, but at Christmas their memory is particularly poignant. We hope that lighting a candle in the stunning surrounds of the Cathedral helped bring their memory a little closer.”
As well as those in the Cathedral, many more were able to follow the service live thanks to the generosity of Herefordshire-based CJP Broadcast Service Solutions Ltd who enabled the event to be covered live online by way of a generous donation to St Michael’s.
The Wall of Remembrance, featuring the names of hundreds of people being remembered by Hospice supporters, will be on display on railings outside Hereford Cathedral’s West Door until January 14th.
Rev Spence also added his thanks, on behalf of St Michael’s, to Hereford Cathedral for providing the venue, and to the many volunteers who gave up their time to ensure the event was a success.
Lights can still be dedicated online. For more information, just click here
