Lights for Love

Hundreds of supporters joined us for this years’ Lights for Love services. The events took place at Rochester Cathedral, Highsted Grammar School and Minster Abbey, where we came together to remember our loved ones at Christmas.

Each service has its own unique feel, bringing comfort at, what can be, a difficult time. We listened to wonderful readings, shared prayers and sang carols together before taking the opportunity to place a star, with our own personal message, on the trees which were ceremonially lit by the Mayors of Medway or Swale.

Priti Joshi, Specialist Social Worker, Family and Carers Support Team, spoke about her experience of Lights for Love: “This was my first year at The Lights for Love service at Rochester Cathedral. It was an incredible privilege to do a reading at the service but also to meet with some of those who attended, some of whom were remembering a loved one they had lost. I was amazed at what the service must offer to people – one couple told me they have been attending for over 20 years and take comfort from it. For me, it was an opportunity to speak to people informally and to listen to their personal stories. What struck me was that the service may be, for some, an opportunity to mourn their loved one but also, may be to start building a different normal without their loved ones. I can only express my gratitude to The Friends for offering this service, which I found out is so significant in ones journey in bereavement”

After the services Books of Remembrance were displayed at Rochester Cathedral, St Michael’s Church, Sittingbourne and Minster Abbey for everyone to see their dedications and remember their loved ones. A Book of Remembrance is kept in the Chapel at the Hospice all year round if you were unable to see one over the Christmas period.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the venues, ministers, staff, volunteers, Orchard Accountants who sponsored the Mince Pies and of course our supporters who really make these services so special. We are really proud to announce that the 2018 appeal has raised over £8,500.00