Candles lit to remember loved ones

More than 50 people attended a Light Up A Life service at Beaumond House Community Hospice, Newark, to light candles, sing carols, and remember loved ones.

The service, part of a scheme organised by hospices throughout the country, was opened by Mrs Pat Alexander, and led by the hospice managing director Mr Patrick Fisher.

Pupils from Chuter Ede Primary School, Balderton, sang and the Salvation Army band performed.

Among those attending were Mr Daniel Munday, of Sutton-on-Trent, with his daughter Mrs Claire Barrett, 35, and granddaughters Eva, 4, and Megan Barrett, 12.

Mrs Barrett, who now lives in Lancashire, said: “We’ve come here in memory of my mother, who was given great support from the hospice before she died of cancer.

“It’s nice to come because everyone here either has or is going through the same sort of thing as we did.

Mrs Dawn Bannon, 58, of Kelham Road, Newark, said: “I have volunteered for eight years at the hospice, with two as a carer, so my heart goes out to the people I looked after and met here.

“Volunteering here is the best thing I have ever done. It’s more of a home than a hospice, and it’s really important to the community in Newark.”

Mrs Ursula Clifton, of Lime Grove, Newark, said: “I’m here in memory of both my brothers. “The hospice does a wonderful job.”

Mr Fisher said: “This is a national collaboration across UK hospices which aims to remember those who are no longer with us, and to thank everyone who has donated money towards us.

“75% of our funding comes from people who give money to us, and without them we couldn’t provide the service that we do.

“Most of the people who came today have been touched by Beaumond House in some way. This is an opportunity to come here and remember loved ones.”