Light Up a Life

Christmas is a special time - a time for families and loved ones. Cotswold Care Hospice understands that we all have cherished ones who cannot be with us and that their absence is keenly felt.

Each year we hold a special Light Up a Life service at Gloucester Cathedral.

Hundreds of candles – each representing a precious loved one so desperately missed – shone brightly in the darkened Gloucester Cathedral.

More than 1,000 people attended the Light Up a Life service on December 3, 2009, organised by Cotswold Care Hospice.

Each person there, whether taking part in the service or being in the congregation, was united in one cause. “Every one of us has been touched by loss,” said Pam Rhodes, presenter of BBC Songs of Praise, who led the event. “It’s a time to remember with love and gratitude those who no longer share our lives.”

Twins Kathryn and Natasha Frewer made a special trip from Cardiff, where they are studying medicine together, to read a poem in memory of their mother Judith.

The 19-year-olds, from Coaley, near Dursley, volunteer at the hospice which looked after their mother who died of breast cancer 15 years ago.

Stacey Griffiths, from Gloucester, was in the congregation to remember her grandad John Gordon, who died aged 69.

Sarah Sparks told the congregation how the hospice had supported her family. Her mother-in-law Frances, who suffered from Motor Neurone Disease, wanted to die at home. Hospice at home nurses helped the family by caring for Frances at night.

“Nothing prepared us for how difficult it would be to look after someone with motor neurone disease,” said Sarah. “It is difficult to put into words what a difference Cotswold Care Hospice made to us.”

Sarah’s husband Nick was unable to attend the service. A member of the Territorial Army, he is training to go to Afghanistan.

As part of the event, the cathedral lights were dimmed as hundreds held candles in memory of someone special. Some had put pictures of their loved ones on the special candle holders. Others had written messages or drawn hearts and flowers. Each holder was an individual as the person it represented.

Music for the evening was provided by the Cirencester-based Cantores Choir, the Gloucester Cathedral Youth Choir and the year three pupils from St Peter’s Catholic Primary School in Gloucester. A special wind and brass ensemble from Wycliffe College in Stroud supported the choirs.

Every year Cotswold Care Hospice, based in Minchinhampton, near Stroud, supports more than 500 people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. All their services are provided free of charge.

The service was part of the charity’s Light Up a Life appeal to help raise the £1.6 million needed every year to provide free care and support. It receives less than 10 per cent from the NHS.

Among the dignitaries to attend was the Right Rev Michael Perham, Bishop of Gloucester, Sir Henry Elwes, Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire and Brian Thornton, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire. Coun Chris Witts, the Mayor of Gloucester.

Light Up a Life 2010

Pam Rhodes will return to host this year's 2010 Light Up a Life service at Gloucester Cathedral on December 8. Further details about the service will be released later this year.