Last Sunday around 800 people gathered for the annual St Catherine’s Hospice Tree of Light service at the K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley to remember someone they loved.

During a moving ceremony people hung dedication stars, listened to reflective readings and heard James Russell speak about the care his mother, Lee, received from St Catherine’s. They also joined in Christmas carols led by the Loud and Proud Community Choir from Dorking.
During the service Lisa Green, a Nursing Assistant on St Catherine’s Inpatient Unit and Gemma Pearce, Hospice Cook, carried the Book of Remembrance forward and people were also able to look at it before and after the service as they enjoyed mince pies and hot drinks.

Reverend Lisa Rainier, Spiritual Care Lead at St Catherine’s, said “It was a privilege to lead our Tree of Light service. We hope it provided comfort to all those who came to remember their loved ones. We’d also like to thank everyone who made a donation; your generosity and kindness will help us continue to provide compassionate care to local people and their family and friends when it’s needed most.”

Traditionally, Christmas is a time when people come together with family and friends, but for many people who are bereaved it can also be a sad time. St Catherine’s recognises this and is here to help. Bereaved relatives are helped by the hospice and expert support is also given to people in the community through local bereavement groups in Crawley and Oxted. These groups are open to everyone, regardless of whether they have had a connection to St Catherine’s.

For more information about St Catherine’s, or to make a donation to support local people when life comes full circle please visit: www.stch.org.uk