Light Up A Life service returns for Christmas 2021

Christmas is a special time for families and this Christmas St Elizabeth Hospice is helping people celebrate the lives of loved ones, who are no longer with us, by hosting its annual Light up a Life remembrance service.

Every year St Elizabeth Hospice’s memorial event sees the community join with the hospice to remember loved ones in a special service held at St Mary-le-Tower Church in Ipswich.

However, due to restrictions concerning the Covid-19 pandemic, last year’s event was broadcast as an online video, but this year Light Up A Life returns to its traditional format, while still adhering to Government guidelines concerning the ongoing pandemic.

Taking place between 3-4pm on Sunday 19th December, the Light up a Life service will be led by Reverend Morag Finch, who also works as the hospice’s Spiritual Care Worker. It will feature traditional Christmas carols and readings from supporters, carols from the Ipswich Hospital Community Choir and music from local singer Roma Manteiga-Nicholson.

Catherine Sheppard, Supporter Campaigns Fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Christmas is a time for families and friends to be together surrounded by love and happiness, but for those who have lost someone they love, it can also be a time of great sadness.

“Every year the hospice joins with the local community to host the Light Up A Life service, to remember loved ones who have passed and to celebrate their lives during this very special time of the year. Light Up A Life is open to everyone, even if they have had no previous contact with the hospice. We look forward to welcoming one and all to Light Up A Life this December.”

Prior to the event, there is the opportunity to ‘light up a life’ virtually and pay tribute to a loved by uploading a photo and personalised message, which will be included on the virtual Light Up A Life Christmas tree. Names uploaded to the online tree, before 15th December, will then be included in the service, on 19th December.

Further details regarding Covid safety measurements will be announced nearer the time, but to ensure the safety of all attending Light Up A Life, St Elizabeth Hospice is adhering to all Government guidance concerning the ongoing pandemic and requests all attendees wear a mask to the service.

For more details about Light Up A Life, visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/be-a-star/fundraising/lightupalife/