AROUND 700 people gathered around the Christmas tree, as Phyllis Tuckwell hosted their annual Light up a Life service, to remember those close to their hearts who have died and to celebrate their lives.

The service, which is always a special and poignant one, included a welcome from Chris Tuckwell, the president of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, followed by carols and prayers, readings read by the charity’s chief executive, Sarah Brocklebank, and the Mayor of Farnham, Pat Frost, and blessings from Phyllis Tuckwell chaplains Rev Jane Walker and Rev Sue Lattey.

During the service, the lights on the hospice’s Christmas tree were switched on, to represent the lives of the loved ones to whose memory the service was dedicated. Those present also held tea lights and glow sticks, which they placed beneath and on the tree after the service.

The names of those people to whose memory the service was dedicated were also listed in the evening’s Order of Service, along with a dedication from those who were remembering them. Afterwards, everyone who attended was invited to South Farnham School for mulled wine, tea, coffee and mince pies, while the school’s choir sung festive songs.

Rev Jane Walker, chaplain at Phyllis Tuckwell, said: “The Light up a Life service is an important event at Phyllis Tuckwell, and a beautiful and meaningful way for people to remember their loved ones. The Light up a Life service gives relatives and friends a precious moment, in the busiest time of the year, to stop and reconnect, in a deep and dear way, with those who have died.

“There is great warmth and solidarity too, all who attend are bereaved and living life in a new place of being, and this service brings them all together to share stories and give comfort.”

Fiona Chapman, events fundraiser at the hospice said: “We would like to thank the Mayor of Farnham, South Farnham school and pupils for the beautiful singing and for the use of their hall for refreshments after the service, and of course all those who came along and made the evening such a special one.”

For more information about Phyllis Tuckwell go to www.pth.org.uk.