When we lose someone dear, the impact is profound, and the emotions can feel all-consuming. This November, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity invites everybody across Dorset to join in a warm gathering of remembrance at the Light Up the Prom service.
Light Up the Prom, taking place on Monday 3 November 2025 at 7pm, is a space where memories of those held dear can be acknowledged and honoured. The event is dedicated to those we have lost.
It is a gentle invitation to join community members at Bournemouth Pier Approach and reflect on the lives that have touched so many through a candlelit display. As the evening unfolds, you can listen to music from a local choir and then watch our collective love light up Bournemouth Bay and the seafront with a stunning fireworks display.
The funds raised will directly enhance the care of patients, providing them with tangible resources and comfort – above and beyond what the NHS will fund – during their most challenging times.
James Taylor, lead chaplain of University Hospitals Dorset, said: “Light up the Prom is a touching event of darkness and light. We gather in the dark evening and hold up a light in memory of our loved ones, hear readings, music and words of comfort – and then celebrate their memories with the fizz of fireworks launched from the pier. I encourage you to join us on the night, you won’t regret it!”
Aurelia Chliwna, fundraising officer at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, said: “Every person we’ve lost leaves behind a light that never fades. Light Up the Prom is our way of celebrating that light together and letting kindness light the way for someone else. Join us this November to honour those who’ve touched your life and help bring comfort to others supported by our hospitals.”
This year, Light Up the Prom is kindly sponsored by Coles Miller Solicitors. Coles Miller Managing Partner Adrian Cormack said: “As a law firm, we regularly help clients who’ve recently lost loved ones. So, we know how important Light Up the Prom is, how much comfort it brings to all those who take part and how it inspires those unable to attend to add their support too.
“We’re very proud to sponsor Light Up the Prom for the second year in succession and highlight the excellent work done by the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity.”
Every person who donates to take part in Light Up the Prom will receive an LED candle, which they can light in memory of someone special at the service.
Candles will be collected at the event, and participants can write heartfelt messages about their loved ones on paper lanterns that they can put their candle in.
In the past, generous support given in honour of a loved one has funded a fleet of iPads and rehabilitation technology to support patients recovering from strokes at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. A local farmer raised thousands to enhance care for cancer patients and their loved ones in honour of his late wife.
More broadly, donations provided age-appropriate toys for children in hospital, art therapy sessions for people living with dementia and special massage treatments for those on palliative care.
For more information about Light Up the Prom or to donate to attend, please visit University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity’s website here: www.UHDcharity.org/LUTP/