Bedford’s Harpur Suite played host to an evening for individuals, families and friends from across the community to collectively remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have died.
On Wednesday 14 December, Sue Ryder Lights of Love Bedfordshire was an opportunity for people to come together alongside others who are also living with loss.
The service featured special readings, a moment of reflection and live music from the Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice staff choir, followed by hot drinks and mince pies.
There was also an opportunity for guests to make a dedication in memory of someone special, which were displayed on a Lights of Love tree.
Debbie Playford, Family Support Team Manager at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger, said: “Thank you to everyone who joined us at our annual winter Lights of Love event in Bedford. It was a very special and moving evening, where we were able to stop and pay tribute to loved ones who are sadly no longer with us.
“We recognise that this time of year can be particularly difficult when you are living with loss, and we hope that this event gave people a small measure of comfort and reassurance that they are not alone.”
If people were unable to attend the event in person, they can still join others in leaving a personal dedication in memory of loved ones on Sue Ryder’s online Wall of Love at here.
The charity is also inviting people to join them on Facebook this Christmas Eve, to light a candle in memory of loved ones in a moment of reflection.
Sue Ryder provides a range of online bereavement support, including free video counselling delivered through trained bereavement counsellors; an online community forum offering 24-hour peer-to-peer support and a wide range of advice and resources for people who are grieving or supporting someone through bereavement.
For more information, visit their website here.
