The Mayor of Poole and the Sheriff of Poole joined local residents at a full St James’ Church in Old Town Poole, as the community came together to light candles and remember loved ones at Forest Holme Hospice Charity’s annual Light up a Life service.
Led by the Revd. Lucy Holt, the service welcomed anyone wishing to pause during the festive season and remember those who are no longer with us, whether or not they had a direct connection to Forest Holme.
The event featured moving poems and readings shared by Forest Holme volunteers, along with carols performed by Tim’s Singers choir. The choir brought the service to a close with a performance of their recent charity song, All Our Love, which is a reimagining of the Coldplay song, that was recorded earlier this year to raise money for the hospice.
Claire Cooper, from Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said, “Light up a Life continues to be a meaningful moment in the hospice calendar, offering comfort, connection, and a reminder that remembrance is something shared. We are so grateful to Dawsongroup, who once again sponsored the event and helped us create a space where our community could come together and remember the people that are no longer here but remain deeply loved.”
Guests lit candles in memory of family and friends, taking time to reflect together in the beautiful surroundings of St James’ Church and after the service, everyone was invited to stay for mince pies and mulled wine, continuing the feeling of community that defines the event each year.
Funds raised from Light up a Life help Forest Holme Hospice provide specialist palliative and end-of-life care across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck. This care supports more than 1,500 people each year, along with their families and carers.
https://forestholmehospice.org.uk/