Hundreds Light up a Life to remember loved ones

Other Light up a Life services are being held throughout December

Around 400 people attended a special Light up a Life service to remember their loved ones at Mountbatten on Sunday (December 2).

Carols were sung, readings and prayers were said and the Mountbatten Remembrance Tree was lit with lights dedicated by people across the Island, in memory of those who have died.

After the service, people gathered in the John Cheverton Centre to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Everyone who dedicated a light also had their loved one’s name commemorated in the Book of Remembrance, which was on display. There was also an opportunity for people to write their own personal message and add it to a dedication tree inside the building.

Among those attending the Light up a Life service were Charlotte Humphrey and her daughters Maisy, 9, and Tilly, 6, from Ryde, who were remembering their Nanny.

Among those attending the Light up a Life service were Charlotte Humphrey and her daughters Maisy, 9, and Tilly, 6, from Ryde, who were remembering their Nanny. Charlotte said: “Attending the Light up a Life service at Mountbatten gave my family a time to come together and remember my Mum, Shirley Batchelor. It was a beautiful, touching service, which my children were able to be part of. Being able to dedicate a light on the tree to their Nanny, and writing a message on the tree for her in the John Cheverton Centre, where my mum received fantastic support, was lovely.”

Anyone who was not able to attend the service can still take part by making a donation to dedicate a light, in memory of their loved one this Christmas. Throughout December, the Book of Remembrance will continue to be updated with the names of those being remembered, and all are welcome to still add their own message to the dedication tree in the John Cheverton Centre.

Other Light up a Life services are being held throughout December in churches and venues across the Island, including a special Carol Service at All Saints’ Church, Ryde on Wednesday 19 December at 6.30pm.

Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten CEO said: “It is important to come together to remember those who have died and I hope Islanders take great comfort from attending one of our Light up a Life services and knowing that their donations will help other families to receive our care over the festive season, many of whom will be spending Christmas together for the last time. Mountbatten can only continue this work because of the generous and essential donations we receive from our Island community and we continue to be very grateful for all of the support we receive.”

So far, people’s donations have raised over £12,000, which will go towards the on-going care and support of, on any one day, over 1,000 Islanders and families facing death, dying and bereavement.

To dedicate a light, visit www.mountbatten.org.uk, call (01983) 217300, or pick up a leaflet in one of our Mountbatten shops. Details of all Light up a Life services can be found on our website.