MOVING on to a brand new year can be difficult for those who have lost a loved one.

Weldmar Hospicecare is once again holding its Snowdrop Services in February, to give people the opportunity to remember those they have lost as 2018 gets underway.

A spokesman said: “Weldmar Hospicecare’s Snowdrop Gardens and Walks were established to provide a lasting memorial to those who were dear to us. Your loved one may have died in another area, or they may have died a long time ago.

“You are invited to remember them privately at the Walks or Gardens, or to join with others at the annual Services of Remembrance. These services are held in late winter when snowdrops first appear, reminding us that the hope and warmth of spring are not far away.”

There will be nine Snowdrop Services of Remembrance across Dorset to reach as many people as possible.

Venues of the services include Bell Street United Church in Shaftesbury on Monday, February 12 at 3pm, St Peter’s & St Paul’s Church in Blandford on Tuesday, February 13 at 2.30pm and The Railway Gardens in Sturminster Newton on Monday, February 12 at 11.30am

If you wish, snowdrops may be planted in memory of your loved one, and their name included in the Snowdrop Memorial book which is kept in each location. Weldmar ask for a donation of £10 to cover costs. The donation will be acknowledged by a commemorative card.

Weldmar Hospicecare is a registered charity which provides free services for those who need end-of-life care across Dorset.

The NHS contributes 25 per cent of costs leaving Weldmar needing to raise £10,240 per day to fund their free of charge services through fundraising and a chain of twenty charity shops and six outlets.

For more information about the Snowdrop Services, call Weldmar’s Bereavement Services on 01305 215300.