A Northamptonshire hospice is inviting the local community to come together and remember loved ones they have lost at a public ceremony at The Cathedral of Our Lady and St Thomas in Northampton, on Tuesday December 12 and Thursday December 14.
The Tree of Love ceremony is being organised by Cynthia Spencer Hospice and individuals have been able to dedicate a single light on a Christmas tree to the memory of a loved one who has passed away.
During the ceremony, the cathedral lights will be dimmed as the tree lights are lit and those in attendance will come together and enjoy a moment of reflection and celebration. There will also be a school choir, performances from Nene Voices and the Northamptonshire County Youth Brass Band, and readings for guests to enjoy.
The event is being supported by hospice patron Earl Spencer, who will be donating the Christmas tree from the Althorpe Estate and delivering a reading at the ceremony.
Sarah O’Connor, Individual Giving Fundraiser and Finance Lead at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, said:
“This event is one of my favourites to facilitate for the hospice. During Covid, the service went online but it just wasn’t the same. To experience that moment when the tree lights come on is truly magical.
“This year we want to encourage as many people as possible to join us and light up a life on our Tree of Love. The ceremony is inclusive, suitable for families and doesn’t focus on loss. It is more about celebrating the people we love and uplifting and supporting each other as we take time to think about the memories and experiences we have enjoyed with them.”
Earl Spencer said:
“The Tree of Love ceremony is a beautiful, poignant service in which to remember loved ones during the run up to Christmas – that family time of year when it’s natural to remember those close to us who have died. I look forward to taking part once more, in this wonderful celebration of love, with its solemn nod to the bitter pain of family loss.”
The Tree of Love services will take place at The Cathedral of Our Lady and St Thomas in Northampton from 7.30pm.
There’s also a chance to win a European cruise while supporting the hospice, by buying tickets for the annual Winter Raffle. Priced at £1 per ticket, the raffle will help provide essential care to local people and their families navigating life-limiting illnesses. Prizes on offer include a cruise for two people around Northern Europe and £1,000 cash. Tickets are available now online up until the closing date of December 31. The draw will take place on January 12.
In the new year, the hospice is also offering a Christmas tree recycling service to households in Northampton. Residents need to register their real Christmas trees online before January 2 for collection from outside their property between January 6 and 9.
Trees will be chipped or recycled and donated to locations in the local community. There is no fee for the tree collection as part of the Christmas Tree Recycling campaign, but a donation is suggested to support the work of the hospice.
For more information about the Winter Raffle or Christmas Tree Recycling visit https://cynthiaspencer.org.uk/https://cynthiaspencer.org.uk/get-involved/take-part-in-an-event/
Find out more about the Tree of Love ceremony.
