Hospice event to fill the Valleys with light and song

A special remembrance service on 5 December aims to fill the Valleys with light and song in memory of loved ones.

The service has been organised by the Hospice of the Valleys as part of its annual Light up a Life campaign and will feature readings and reflections, performances by Abergavenny Borough Band and the Cân Aderyn Singers, and the charity’s Christmas tree light switch on.

Hospice of the Valleys provides specialist palliative care to people living in Blaenau Gwent who have life limiting or terminal conditions such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia and heart failure. The charity’s clinical team cares for patients at home, in nursing homes, in the local hospital and at the hospice’s own outpatient clinic in Ebbw Vale.

The uplifting remembrance service is an opportunity for anyone in the local community, whether they have a connection with the hospice or not, to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones in the lead up to Christmas.

The event is free to attend, and voluntary donations are welcome throughout the Light up a Life campaign period to support the work of the hospice’s clinical teams over the festive period as they continue to care for patients and families across Blaenau Gwent.

Kay is among those supporting the charity’s Light up a Life campaign this winter. Hospice of the Valleys cared for Kay’s mam and sister following their respective dementia and lung cancer diagnoses.

Kay (pictured above) said: “The hospice looked after my Mam and my sister Lyn as if they were their own family. Their care is simply incredible. I’ll never forget what Hospice of the Valleys has done for me and my family these last three years and how lucky we are to have this charity looking after us.

“I really hope people support them during Light up a Life and beyond so they can look after others as wonderfully as they looked after Mam and Lyn.”

In addition to the remembrance service, supporters can also make a dedication on a virtual Christmas tree to support the charity.

Grant Usmar, chief executive of Hospice of the Valleys, said: “Our Light up a Life remembrance service is always one of the most special and poignant events in our calendar. It’s a chance to come together, reflect and remember loved ones with music and light.

“The conclusion of the service is our Christmas tree light switch on, with each light shining brightly in memory of someone very special. We hope this will bring some comfort and joy during a difficult period for those who are bereaved.”

For further information, visit https://www.hospiceofthevalleys.org.uk/lual2023/