Hundreds of people whose lives have been touched by the work of Isabel Hospice came together for the charity’s annual Lights of Love services during November and December.
A total of eight uplifting services were held across Isabel’s catchment area, with crowds of up to 200 people gathering around the Lights of Love tree to remember those they have loved and lost.
Almost 900 names were dedicated this year, with Lights of Love raising more than £23,000 thanks to those who chose to make a donation to the Hospice alongside their dedication.
During each of the services, which took place in Ware, Sawbridgeworth, Buntingford, Hertford, Bishop’s Stortford, Welwyn Garden City and Cheshunt, there were readings and carols as well as a moment of reflection before the Lights of Love tree was illuminated.
Dignitaries including Sally Burton, the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, and Hertfordshire’s Deputy Lieutenant Sarah Coffey, were in attendance, along with Annie Brewster, the chair of Hertfordshire County Council, as well as the mayor’s of each of the towns, including Cllr Barbara Fitzsimon (Welwyn Hatfield), Cllr Duncan Wallace (Buntingford), Cllr Rishi Fernando (Ware), Cllr Sue Barber (Hertford), Cllr Paul Seeby (Broxbourne) and Cllr Greg Rattey (Sawbridgeworth), who stood alongside the relatives and friends of those Isabel Hospice has cared for over the years.
Isabel Hospice’s CEO Helen Glenister said: “Our Lights of Love services are really special to us, so it was wonderful to see so many people join us, especially in what is our charity’s 40th anniversary year.
“As the year draws to a close, it was an opportunity to give thanks for the light and warmth those who are no longer with us brought into our lives, and we hope those who attended left with a sense of peace and comfort at what we know can be a particularly difficult time of year.”
There is still time to leave a dedication to someone special on Isabel’s virtual Lights of Love tree. You can make a dedication to a loved one here before January 3rd.
Lights of Love galleries:
