Community Remember Friends and Family at Hospice's 'Light Up a Life' Service

Wednesday, 26 November 2025 15:39

Salisbury Hospice Charity’s “Light Up a Life” service provided a heartfelt opportunity for the local community to come together and remember family and friends.

On Sunday, 23rd November, the community came together for Salisbury Hospice Charity’s Light Up a Life event, held at St. Thomas’s Church. For over 25 years, Light Up a Life has been a cherished tradition at Salisbury Hospice, offering attendees a heartfelt opportunity to remember loved ones in a supportive and uplifting atmosphere.

The service opened with a warm welcome from Rev'd Selina Deacon, who set the tone for an afternoon of reflection and solace. The congregation joined in singing the traditional carol “Silent Night”.

A touching poem, “My Personal Standpoint” by Anon, read by Karen Clarkson, Partner of Parker Bullen, resonated deeply with attendees, while The Kate Edgar Singers moved the audience with a rendition of “Wexford Carol.”

Nikki Spicer, Chair of Trustees at Salisbury Hospice Charity, shared a personal reflection and expressed her gratitude to the community for its continued support and presence. In one of the most poignant moments of the service, attendees were invited to light candles in memory of their
loved ones at the altar whilst The Kate Edgar Singers performed an underscore of carols.

Rev'd Philip Rhoades introduced two minutes of silence, providing a moment of reflection for the congregation before Lorna Bidgood, Team Leader of the Family Support Team, took to the altar to read the “Love Came First” poem by Donna Ashworth, which touched many in the audience.

Following the service, attendees gathered for mulled wine and mince pies, sharing moments of connection and support, with the opportunity to speak to the Family Bereavement Support Team and members of the Fundraising Team.

Salisbury Hospice Charity thanked Parker Bullen Solicitors for sponsoring the Light Up a Life service once again, as well as Jules Whale, The Kate Edgar Singers, St. Thomas Church, Ute Schwarting, and the fantastic team of volunteers who gave their time to help at the event.