Light Up a Life this Christmas: Hospices join together to celebrate and remember loved ones

A long mainstay in the North Devon Christmas calendar, the annual Light Up a Life Appeal between both of the region's hospices and the North Devon Gazette has been running for almost 30 years.

Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) and North Devon Hospice are looking forward to welcoming supporters at their beautiful Light Up a Life services being held across North Devon in November and December.  

There will be seven services in total which people can attend with family and friends to celebrate the lives of loved ones, light a candle and take the opportunity to pause and remember through a beautiful service. 

Gubs Hayer, area fundraiser for CHSW, said: “We are looking forward to bringing the community together again this year with our Light Up a Life services which are always very special and are open to everyone, not just those who have been supported by either hospice. 

“The services will offer heart-warming words of remembrance, carols and readings, as well as a chance to light a candle to remember those who are no longer with us.   

“Not only do they offer comfort and support to people at a very poignant time of the year, they are also a lovely way to support the incredible work of our two wonderful hospice charities here in North Devon.”

Lisa Mackenzie, North Devon Hospice events manager, added: “Light Up a Life is so very special as it brings people from all over North Devon together to remember someone they miss. 

“This Christmas, we want to invite you to be part of Light Up A Life, to mark the memory of your loved one in the most special way. Together, we can keep their memory shining bright while supporting others in our local community facing loss at this poignant time of year and beyond.”

The Gazette would like to add our good wishes to all those taking part in Light Up a Life this year - and if you haven’t heard about it, or are not sure if it might help you if you are recently bereaved or would like to remember a loved one, please do visit the website below.

Light Up a Life is kindly sponsored by James Electrics. To make a donation to this year’s appeal or for more information about the church services, visit www.lual.co.uk

Light Up a Life services for 2023

Sunday, November 26: Loxhore Chapel, 3pm

Sunday, December 3: Fremington Methodist Church, 6.30pm

Monday, December 4: Pip & Jim's Church, Ilfracombe, 7pm

Friday, December 8: Grosvenor Church, Barnstaple, 7pm

Sunday, December 10: Methodist Church, Torrington, 10am

Tuesday, December 12: All Hallows Church, Woolsery, 6.30pm

Saturday, December 16: Bideford Pannier Market, 6.30pm (Carols by Candlelight)