Light Up A Life For Someone You Love This Christmas

Last year’s Light up a Life service was held at Guildford Cathedral, and the names of those being remembered will be projected onto the cathedral again this year.

With the festive season approaching, many of us find our thoughts turning to loved ones whom we would usually spend Christmas with, but who are no longer with us. Phyllis Tuckwell’s annual Light up a Life service is a special way to remember those we are missing, and find comfort and support at what can be a difficult time of year.

Last year, Covid restrictions prevented Phyllis Tuckwell from holding Light up a Life at the Hospice, but this year it is delighted to announce that it will once again be able to invite people to gather around its Christmas tree in the Hospice grounds for this important and poignant service.

The service will take place at 6.30pm on Sunday 5th December, at Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham. Readings, carols and prayers will help those who attend to remember special times they had with their loved ones and reflect on fond memories. During the service, the lights on the Hospice’s Christmas tree will be switched on, to represent the lives of those special people to whose memory the service is dedicated.

Anyone who would like to remember a loved one – whether they were cared for by Phyllis Tuckwell or not – is invited to attend. If they wish to, they can also make a dedication in memory of their loved one and have their names added to the evening’s Order of Service booklet. Their loved one’s name will also be projected onto Guildford Cathedral, alongside an image of a giant Christmas tree, on the evening on Tuesday 7th December, for people to view. Dedications must be received by Friday 19th November in order for the names to be included in the Order of Service, which is given out to all who attend, and on the cathedral projection. The Order of Service will also be published on Phyllis Tuckwell’s website and be available to download from Sunday 5th December.

As well as inviting people to the event, Phyllis Tuckwell will also be live streaming it via their website so that those who are unable to attend can watch it online, and recording it so that anyone who wishes to can watch it again at a later date.

You can make a dedication by visiting www.pth.org.uk/lual or calling 01252 729446. By making a dedication to Light up a Life, you will not only remember your loved one, but will also help Phyllis Tuckwell to continue caring for individuals and families who need its support.

If you would like to attend the service, Phyllis Tuckwell advises that you bring a torch and wrap up warm, as it is held outside. Parking will be available at local schools and on surrounding roads, but is limited, so please car-share where possible.

Every day – including Christmas Day – Phyllis Tuckwell supports and cares for over 250 local people, but because the NHS/Government usually only covers 20% of its costs, it has to raise over £25,000 a day to do this. The charity’s annual Light up a Life service is provided completely free of charge, but any donation you wish to make would be gratefully received.

Rose Tapper
Author: Rose Tapper