HUNDREDS of people turned out to launch Forest Holme Hospice Charity’s Light up a Life appeal last week.

The annual event, held on the steps of the Civic Centre, was attended by over 250 people, many of whom have lost loved ones and were grateful for the care and support offered by the hospice.

However, guests to the service do not need to have known a patient at the hospice in order to attend.

Anne Currie, Forest Holme Hospice’s Charity Manager, said, “Christmas can be a difficult time for those who have lost someone special. Our remembrance service was an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of those who are sadly no longer with us.

“The service was incredibly moving, and it was nice to see new families at the event alongside so many familiar faces.”

For the first time since its been held, a Memory Walk was held in Poole Park prior to the Light up a Life launch, with many wrapping up warm to remember loved ones as they strolled through the park.

The service, which was a mixture of carols, readings, prayers and remembrance, was led by Rev Fraser Smith, a Chaplain at Poole Hospital, while Wessex Chorus community choir provided music.

The switching on of the lights on the Christmas Tree outside the Civic Centre by The Mayor of Poole, Marion Le Poidevin, signaled the start of the hospice’s Light up a Life campaign.

For those who were unable to make the Light Up A Life event, the hospice charity has a Tree of Remembrance outside M&S in the Dolphin Shopping Centre until December 18, where people can dedicate a star to someone special.