Sue Slocombe, Hannah Elson, Clare Elson, Abigail Elson and Glynise Ball at the Light Up A Life service
Sue Slocombe, Hannah Elson, Clare Elson, Abigail Elson and Glynise Ball at the Light Up A Life service

More than 1,500 people gathered to remember their loved ones at a poignant Light up a Life service in Lichfield.

Taking place at Lichfield Cathedral the St Giles Hospice event invited all those who have lost someone they love, regardless of whether they were cared for by the hospice.

Many of those who attended the service added their own personal messages to a special Book of Memories, which will remain at the cathedral until the end of January before going on display in the Chapel at St Giles Hospice in Whittington throughout the coming year.

People remembering loved ones were also given the opportunity to dedicate a light on a special tree, which was lit during the moving service.

Peter Holliday, Chief Executive of St Giles Hospice, said:

“This celebration of the lives of loved ones at Lichfield Cathedral is one of the highlights of Light up a Life, which offers people from across the region the opportunity to take time to remember those who are no longer with us.

“We are grateful to all those who are supporting Light up a Life this Christmas, and to everyone who helped make the service in Lichfield such a touching tribute. Our special thanks go to the kind-hearted supporters who also helped St Giles Hospice with their generous donations, ensuring we can continue to provide high-quality care for local people and support for their families and carers when they need it most.”

St Giles Hospice is a registered charity offering high-quality medical and nursing care for people with cancer and other serious illnesses, as well as providing support for their families and carers.

Care is offered at the hospice’s facilities in Sutton Coldfield and Whittington, between Lichfield and Tamworth , or in patients’ own homes across the region.

St Giles spends £6 million every year providing its specialist services and with less than a third of this funded by the Government, relies heavily on donations and fundraising.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.