CHRISTMAS is a time for family gatherings, but if loved ones aren’t there, it can be a difficult time of year.
To help, Sue Ryder is organising a special event to help remember those who are no longer with us, and the special memories they have given us.
The Lights of Love Thames Valley service will take place at the English Martyrs Church in Liebenrood Road on the evening of Thursday, December 8.
It is open to individuals, families and friends so they can collectively celebrate the lives of people who have died.
It will include readings, poems, carols and live music, as well as a moment for reflection before refreshments and mince pies will be served.
The event is led by Sue Ryder’s Family Support Team and will include carols led by the Vivace Voices choir. There will also be performances from pianist Anita D’Attellis.
It is for anyone who wishes to commemorate a loved one, regardless of when they died or if they were a former patient of Sue Ryder.
The charity said that last year it provided more than 830,000 hours of care to thousands of families across the country, including from its Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Tilehurst, as well as in Wokingham, Newbury and south Oxfordshire.
The charity also launched its Grief Kind campaign to encourage people to meet grief with warmth and acceptance, rather than shying away from conversations.
Ken Blanton, head of family support for Sue Ryder in the Thames Valley, said: “We recognise that this time of year can be more difficult when you are living with loss, so we hope that people will join our winter Lights of Love event this December to pay tribute to loved ones who are sadly no longer with us.
“When someone dies it can raise a range of emotions and we hope Lights of Love will give people a small measure of comfort and reassurance that they are not alone.”
Due to capacity of the venue, limited spaces are available at Sue Ryder Lights of Love Thames Valley with places available on a first-come-first-served basis.
For more information or to register to attend visit sueryder.org/lightsthamesvalley or contact the Sue Ryder Thames Valley Fundraising Team via email thamesvalley.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 0118 9550 433.
For those that are unable to attend the event in person, there is also an online dedication wall available at sueryder.dedicationpage.org/lightsoflove2022
