Kettering hospice to hold its 'Tree of Lights' service online

An annual remembrance service at Kettering's Cransley Hospice will take place virtually this year because of Covid-19 restrictions.

The popular 'Tree of Lights' service normally takes place at the St Mary’s Hospital site, where the hospice is based, where people gather to light up a life, leave dedications and seek comfort at a special but sometimes difficult time of year.

But with restrictions on gatherings the charity will be holding it online for the first time so that everyone can make a dedication in memory of a loved one.

A hospice spokesman said: "On December 6 at 6.30pm, the ‘In Memory’ Tree of Lights service will be streamed online and everyone is invited to watch, take part and to ‘Light Up a Life’, in memory of a loved one by making a dedication and donation in advance of the service.

"Anyone who registers via the website https://www.cransleyhospice.org.uk/event/tree-of-lights-2020/ before November 27 will be sent a Tree of Lights Remembrance Pack which will include amongst other things a candle to light, a small tree and details of the service so that they can take part from the comfort of their own homes.

"This year so many people have been affected by loss and due to the virus, unable to grieve in a way that is familiar to them, so Cransley Hospice wants to welcome all those that have loved ones they wish to remember, whether they have been cared for at the hospice or not."

The Tree of Lights will be lit on the St Mary’s Hospital site from December 6 to January 5 and people will be able to visit the tree during this time if they wish.