Lights of Love shine at the Peace Hospice in Watford (From Watford Observer)

Lights of Love shine at the Peace Hospice in Watford

1:05pm Thursday 4th December 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Lights of Love were dedicated last night to the memory of friends, family and loved ones at the Peace Hospice's annual Christmas ceremony.

As the cheers and jeers from a football crowd roared in the distance, hundreds of people braved the freezing weather to gather outside the hospice, in Peace Drive.

Led by Reverend Maureen Hider, with performances from the Borehamwood Brass Band and the Watford Philharmonic Orchestra, the crowds sang carols and heard readings.

And young vocalist Charlotte Smith, a pupil at the Royal Masonic School who made her third appearance at the Lights of Love event, performed a solo of Somewhere over the Rainbow as the Christmas lights were switched on.

Among the crowds were Malcolm Sanderson, 63, from Cranefield Drive, Garston.

His wife Marilyn was admitted to the Peace Hospice on February 22, but lost her fight against breast cancer on March 23.

He said: “The people here were really marvellous. They were magnificent. I just want to support them in any way I can because they don't get sufficient funding from central sources.”

Debbie Humphrey and Helen Gibson attended the Lights of Love ceremony in memory of Louise Gibson, who died 18 months ago.

Debbie, 39, from Croft Lane, Chipperfield, said: “We came last year because it was the first Christmas after she died. We just thought it was really nice. The hospice does so much good.

“It's a bit sombre but I find it quite uplifting. I found it did a lot for me and I hope it will do as much for me this year.

Helen, 35, from Croxley Green, said: “The hospice staff are so fantastic. The care they offer is superb.

“Turning up in the cold isn't too much effort to make.”

Naomi Day, from Hemel Hempstead, gathered with her family to remember her husband, Kevin, 55, who died in December last year.

Mrs Day, 46, said: “The lovely people here really looked after my husband. It's important to support them so they are there for other people.

“They were fantastic. I've never met a bunch of people so caring, yet we were complete strangers to them. They made the whole process much easier. I don't know how I would have coped without them.”

Event organiser Gill Crowson said: “I was pleased that so many people chose to attend Lights of Love on such a cold night.

“I would like to especially thank our supporters Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s dome roundabout, the Watford Philharmonic choir, the Colosseum, as well as all Hospice staff and volunteers who supported the event.”

For more information about the Peace Hospice, telephone 01923 330330 or visit www.peacehospice.org.uk.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)