A South London hospice is hosting two events this winter, where thousands will come together to dedicate a light in memory of loved ones.
St Christopher’s Hospice is running the events to raise money so they can keep supporting vulnerable people across south London.
Bereaved families and friends are invited to remember those they love who have died by lighting a candle. Their donations will support the hospice to care for people into the future.
Ann Stoyles, 76, from Bermondsey, has been supported by St Christopher’s Hospice for the past eight years.
She urged people to donate to the hospice as part of their winter campaign, commenting: “They’ve always been there for me when I’ve needed and they are there for everyone and anyone.
“Please do support the hospice’s Remembering with St Christopher’s appeal. It helps them to care for and support people like me now and into the future.
“The staff are brilliant, I couldn’t wish to be supported by anyone else,” she added.
Ann said the staff at the hospice have always been there for her.
The annual Remembering with St Christopher’s events are open to anyone who is bereaved and feature an act of remembrance, refreshments, an installation of candles, as well as music from Crystal Palace-based All Saints Concert Band.
The trees outside each hospice site are lit during the service, with hundreds of dedicated lights, which will burn brightly throughout the subsequent Christmas period.
St Christopher’s Hospice offers end-of-life care to the elderly and vulnerable, as well as supporting their families.
Rachel Hedley, Legacy and in Memory Manager at St Christopher’s, said: “Donating in memory of someone who has died is a powerful way to remember someone special and to support St Christopher’s into the future.
“Over the past ten years, an amazing £529,986 has been dedicated in memory of loved ones through our Remembering with St Christopher’s events. That amount can fund ten of our hardworking and compassionate community nurses for an entire year, enabling hundreds of patients to stay in their own homes with those they love. These nurses provide compassionate, expert care every day in our community for our community.”
Rev Andrew Goodhead, Lead Chaplain at St Christopher’s, said: “Our annual Remembering with St Christopher’s events give us time to come together as a community – a special moment devoted to those we will never forget.
“And in that moment, together, we find comfort, share strength and hope which helps light the way for hospice families this festive season.”
The events take place on Sunday 26 November at St Christopher’s Orpington, Bromley and on Sunday 3 December at St Christopher’s Sydenham, starting at 4 pm.
To dedicate a light and book a free ticket to the event, click here.
https://southwarknews.co.uk/area/sydenham/south-london-hospice-will-light-up-the-sky-to-remember-loved-ones-this-winter/
