AN annual festive remembrance service is being taken online to ensure everyone is able to remember loved ones this Christmas.

Prospect Hospice will not able to stage its Light up a Life service in is own grounds, as it has in previous years.

A virtual event, which is also open to those who have not used hospice services but would like a way to remember a loved one, will take place online at 4.30pm on December 6. Access to all will be available through the hospice’s website and YouTube pages.

Head of income at Prospect Hospice Sheryl Crouch said: “This year we had to completely rethink the way we deliver our care and take much more of it to our patients in their own homes.

"Much like our care, when it came to our events, we knew quite early on in the first lockdown that we wouldn’t be able to gather together as we have in previous years to remember loved ones. We knew Light up a Life was one event we couldn’t cancel but needed to look at differently so we’re going to bring this to people in their homes too.

“For many of our supporters, this is a really important time of year as they spend time with their families and remember those who are no longer with us. Whether a loss is recent or many years ago, the festive period is often a difficult time for people as they reflect on fond memories and we know Light up a Life is a welcomed event in the festive calendar as somewhere they can come to remember those they’ve loved and lost.

"We’ve therefore done everything we can to retain the elements we know our supporters look forward to, while bringing it to them in their own home for the first time.”

The service will keep many of its traditions, including readings, carols, the procession of lantern bearers and the lighting of the Light up a Life candle.

For those who make a donation to the hospice as part of the appeal, the hospice is also offering a service pack, which includes a candle, an order of service and a star tag to hang up at home.

The hospice is hoping to welcome many more people to this year's service than capacity would normally allow.

Ms Crouch added: “We know it’s been an incredibly difficult year for so many members of our community so, whether you’ve experienced hospice services or not, we’d like to invite everyone to join us on the evening of December 6 and remember those who can’t be with us.”

As part of the service, supporters are able to add the names of their loved ones to both the service and the book of remembrance. Anyone who would like a loved one to be included should let the hospice know before Friday, November 20.

To find out more about the service visit: www.prospect-hospice.net/lightupalife