Dedicate light to late cherished love ones this Christmas through Cynthia Spencer hospice

Cynthia Spencer is asking for members of their community to remember a loved one at Christmas time.

A Northampton hospice is hosting their annual Tree of Love tribute to late loved ones online this year.

Last year, those who had lost loved ones to cancer at the hospice were invited to a ceremony at St Mary and St Thomas cathedral in Barrack Road.

It was here they could make a dedication to a special person who they wanted to fondly remember and a light was lit in memory of each person and placed on the tree inside.

The tree pictured lit up at last year's ceremony.

This year, because of coronavirus, organisers are not able to host the same-style event with a large gathering of people, so a small number of services will be hosted virtual and broadcast from Cynthia Spencer's own Facebook and YouTube pages on 10th and December 15, at 7.30pm.

Pre-recorded services include video performances, and readings from local choirs, members of the hospice care team and volunteers.

But those wanting to are still invited to make their dedications in person. And a light will still be lit in memory of each dedication on the tree in the cathedral where people can visit from December 9, subject to visiting restrictions.

In support of the campaign, The Brampton Halt pub, in Chapel Brampton, is also displaying a tree and lighting it at 7.30pm on the evenings of December 10th and 15th and Northampton Borough Council is also supporting displaying their banners and QR codes in the Market Square when the Christmas tree is put in place there.

The hospice’s fundraising manager, John Helm, said: “Unfortunately we obviously can’t gather at the cathedral this year but we hope as many people as possible will dedicate a light on our tree and join us online to remember those loved ones we will be missing this Christmas.

“This year it’s more important than ever for us to remember the people we have lost whether over the years or more recently.

"We hope our virtual services give people the opportunity to come together, albeit online, to pay our respects to those special people whether they passed away in the hospice or not."

The hospice will also invite you to purchase a special Tree of Love pack, priced at £10. The pack contains a tea light holder, tea light, Tree of Love acknowledgement card featuring the name of your loved one and a reading.

People can make their dedications and donations on the Cynthia Spencer website or by calling the fundraising team on 01604 973340.