GALLERY: Light Up A Life service at St Michael's Hospice

Around 700 people went along to St Michael’s Hospice’s base on Sunday 3 December to pause and remember loved ones they have lost.

The service, led by the Reverend Tom Honey, the hospice’s chaplain, featured Christmas carols sung by Viables Voices and the Ooh Mama Ladies Choir as well as music from the Basingstoke Silver Band.

Thanks to the support from the community, the hospice raised over £33,000 from the event and from donations to the Light Up A Life appeal.

Iain Cameron, deputy chief executive at St Michael’s Hospice, said: “We are extremely pleased with the response from the community. We know that Christmas can be a poignant time amid all the festivities and this service is important for those who want to pause and remember as well as to give thanks for the lives their loved ones led.”

The event is made possible by the support of volunteers who help on the night with car parking, making tea and handing out glow sticks to all participants.

Laura Hughes, events manager at St Michael’s Hospice, said: “This was a particularly special year for the hospice as we celebrated our 25th anniversary, and we were delighted with how many people were able to join us for our final event of the year.

“A special thank you to De La Rue Charitable Trust for their financial support, as well as our volunteers., Basingstoke Deane Rotary Club, The Apollo Hotel, Starbucks, local supermarkets, La Luna Floral Design, Projected Image, and the Basingstoke Silver Band, Ooh Mama and Viables Voices Choir for their wonderful performances on the night.

“We were also extremely grateful to Asset Advantage for donating and decorating a beautiful Christmas tree in the grounds of the Hospice which looked spectacular under our beam of light which shone brightly into the sky, particularly poignant with the blessing of the full moon on the same evening.

“We very much hope everyone enjoyed the service and hope to you will be able to join us again next year.”