Phyllis Tuckwell’s annual Light up a Life service took place this year on Monday 30th November, at the Hospice building in Farnham. Around 700 people gathered around the Christmas tree which had been put up in the Hospice grounds, coming together to remember those close to their hearts who have died and to celebrate their lives.

The service, which is always a special and poignant one, included a welcome from the President of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, Chris Tuckwell, followed by carols and prayers, readings read by the charity’s Chief Executive, Sarah Brocklebank, and the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Mrs Pat Frost, and blessings from Phyllis Tuckwell chaplains Rev. Jane Walker and Rev. Sue Lattey. During the service, the lights on the Hospice’s Christmas tree were switched on, to represent the lives of the loved ones to whose memory the service was dedicated. Those present also held tea lights and glowsticks, which they placed beneath and on the tree after the service. The names of those people to whose memory the service was dedicated were also listed in the evening’s Order of Service, along with a dedication from those who were remembering them. Afterwards, everyone who attended was invited to South Farnham School for mulled wine, tea, coffee and mince pies, while the school’s choir sung festive songs.

“The Light up a Life service is an important event at Phyllis Tuckwell, and a beautiful and meaningful way for people to remember their loved ones,” said Rev. Jane Walker, Chaplain at Phyllis Tuckwell. “Every day we care for over 250 patients and relatives who are facing a terminal illness, providing bereavement counselling as well as medical and nursing care. The Light up a Life service gives relatives and friends a precious moment, in the busiest time of the year, to stop and reconnect, in a deep and dear way, with those who have died. There is great warmth and solidarity too – all who attend are bereaved and living life in a new place of being, and this service brings them all together to share stories and give comfort.”

“We would like to thank the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Mrs Pat Frost, South Farnham school and pupils for the beautiful singing and for the use of their hall for refreshments after the service, and of course all those who came along and made the evening such a special one,” said Fiona Chapman, Events Fundraiser at Phyllis Tuckwell.

If you would like to find out more about Phyllis Tuckwell and the outstanding supportive and end of life care which it provides for patients and families facing cancer, or another serious progressive illness, please look through our website or call us for more information on 01252 729400.

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Notes for Editors:
For press enquiries and alternative pictures contact: Jen Barnes at Phyllis Tuckwell on 01252 729433 or email jen.barnes@pth.org.uk