A star spangled banner for Light up a Life

Children with the banner they have made for the Light up a Life services for Wakefield Hospice on December 2 and 4.

The banner will be carried by bereaved children to remember lost relatives at two services at Wakefield Cathedral next month.

Sarah Nayler, the hospice’s bereavement services co-ordinator, said: “This is a particularly sad and difficult time of year for those who are grieving for a loved one. Our Light up a Life services are a special way of paying tribute to the light that our loved ones brought into the world by their very being, and that continues to shine in our hearts.”

The cathedral services will take place on Sunday, December 4 at 2pm and 5pm. They will feature music from Wakefield Cathedral Choir and a special performance from the hospice’s new staff singing group. Tickets are now only available for the 5pm service.

But there is an earlier service at the hospice on Aberford Road next Friday at 6.30pm. It will be led by the Hospice’s chaplain Rev Darren McClintock. An ensemble from the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir will lead carol singing.

During each service, the Tree of Lights will be illuminated with hundreds of white lights. Every light will be dedicated to someone special, and the lighting up of the tree is a poignant moment as everyone remembers their loved ones together. Lights can be dedicated in return for a donation towards the hospice’s work. Sponsors will receive a special Christmas card with the name of the dedication. Names will appear in a book of Christmas Blessings, which will be available to view at each service and then stay on display by the Tree of Lights until January 6. See www.wakefieldhospice.org/light for more.