In the run up to Christmas, Weldmar Hospicecare is once again holding Light up a Life services across Dorset, where those who will be missed this Christmas can be remembered.

Anyone can dedicate a light to a loved one - whether they were cared for by Weldmar or not - on special trees that will be the focal point for the services of remembrance.

The first service takes place in Bridport at 6.30pm on Friday, November 29, at Groves Nurseries and Garden Centre, featuring traditional hymns, readings, switching on of the lights and reflection.

Light up a Life services will also be taking place in:

Wareham: Sunday, December 1; Holme for Garden 

Blandford: Monday, December 2; The Crown Hotel

Dorchester: Tuesday, December 3; Weldmar Hospice

Sherborne: Wednesday, December 4; Castle Gardens

Gillingham: Thursday, December 5; Orchard Park Garden Centre

Weymouth: Sunday, December 8; Lodmoor Country Park

For anyone unable to attend in person, there will also be an online service broadcast on Weldmar’s Facebook and YouTube channels on Wednesday, December 11, and will be available to watch until after Christmas.

Gloria McCartney, Fundraising Lead, said: “The Light up a Life services are always a special time of the year for us all at Weldmar Hospicecare.

Our communities are so important to us, and being able to provide an opportunity for people to come together to pause, reflect and remember loved ones that they have lost, is such a privilege for all involved.

We know that Christmas can be a particularly challenging and sad time when grieving for a loved one, and that being able to dedicate a light to a loved one, whether they have a Weldmar connection or not, at the beginning of the Christmas season, has been so important to so many people.

Dedicating a light also means that Weldmar can continue to provide specialist care for people living with a life limiting illness in Dorset, and supporting their loved ones too.”

Those dedicating a light, in return for a donation to Weldmar Hospicecare, will receive a special Light up a Life pack including a wooden star to hang on their local Light up a Life tree, or their own Christmas tree, a handwritten card from Weldmar, and a copy of the order of service.

Find out more about the Light up a Life services, and dedicate a light online at weldmarhospicecare.org/lightupalife