Thousands of people will press pause on the busy lead up to Christmas as they take time to remember a loved one. 

Weldmar Hospicecare will once again host its annual Light up a Life services throughout November and December. 

Every year, people celebrate the lives of their loved ones through dedicated lights sponsored in their name, which are placed on trees in memory of those who have died. 

The annual appeal enables supporters of Weldmar to give donations in memory of a loved one to raise vital funds for the charity.

Val Gratton, from Lyme Regis, will be attending her third Light up a Life event this year. 

She said: “For me it’s not about remembering someone, as Mickie is always in my thoughts. 

“It gives you the chance to press the pause button, when you are so busy before Christmas. We all have our traditions at Christmas and when you have lost someone you have to make new traditions, as there’s a big hole where that person used to be.”

The event Val attends in Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens features a string quartet, with readings and carols. She has taken part since 2015, when she lost Mickie to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder.

The pair had been married for more than 40 years and had three daughters together.

Weldmar became involved with them in 2014, where a volunteer would offer therapy to help him relax and community nurses would visit.

Val added: “The hospice moved us into a larger room, and our daughters came with the babies. 

“It gave us the chance to be normal. Light up a Life gives you a chance to reflect on that person who’s not going to be there. You share similar emotions to everyone there and that is reassuring and comforting.”

The services, which are a combination of readings and singing of carols take place during a time when feelings of loss are strongest. Services will be held on: 

  •  Wednesday November 29 at Castle Gardens, Sherborne at 6.30pm
  • Thursday November 30 at Orchard Park Garden Centre, Gillingham at 6.30pm
  • Sunday December 3 at Holme for Gardens, Wareham at 4pm
  • Tuesday December 5 at Joseph Weld Hospice, Dorchester at 6.30pm
  • Sunday December 10 at Hope Square, Brewer’s Quay, Weymouth at 4.30pm
  • Tuesday December 12 at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens at 4.30pm

There will be a prayer of remembrance and dedication during a carol service at St Michael’s Church, Lyme Regis on December 17 at 4pm.