Festive remembrance services return to cathedral and hospice

The service marks the first of Saint Michael’s Hospice’s annual Light up a Life events, where members of the community are invited to see lights on the charity’s Christmas tree illuminated, each representing the lives of loved ones.

The Wilson family, from Boroughbridge, chose last year’s Light up a Life as a special way to remember much-loved husband, father and grandfather, Trevor Wilson, who was cared for by Saint Michael’s in February 2014.

Trevor’s wife, Connie, will once again attend the Ripon Cathedral event with family members and friends.

Connie said: “Ripon Cathedral is special to us as a family. Trevor walked his beautiful daughter down the aisle there just a few years ago.

“That the Light up a Life service is also held there makes it even more special.

“I can only say that the Light up a Life service means so much to us all.

“It’s as if it is the annual coming together of everything that the hospice means, in a place that is filled with love and feeling, and everyone attending is in exactly the same frame of mind.

“The service itself is warm, inviting and so meaningful.

“The point when everyone takes a minute to think of their loved ones - you could hear a pin drop - and the feeling is electrifying.

“There are hardly the words to describe it emotionally, but it means a great deal to be a part of it.

“When the Christmas tree lights are switched on, the gasps are priceless, followed quickly by little ones adorning the tree with their decorations, tributes and messages of love. It is very moving.

“The place is full of people who just want to say a huge thank you from the bottom of their hearts, and to remember their loved ones in a very special place.

“Ripon Cathedral and Saint Michael’s Hospice are two amazing places.”

The lights will be illuminated during two community events to be held at Ripon Cathedral on Sunday, December 4 at 3.30pm and Saint Michael’s Hospice, on Hornbeam Park Avenue on Sunday, December 11 at 4pm.

Saint Michael’s warmly welcomes all of the community to be part of this special event, both those who have a personal connection the charity, and those who simply wish to remember a loved one in a unique and meaningful way.

All donations as part of Light up a Life will help Saint Michael’s provide more care for local families this Christmas, both at the charity’s well-known hospice and out in the community.

To dedicate a light, visit www.saintmichaelshospice.org, call Saint Michael’s on 01423 878628 or email [email protected].