A HOSPICE is urging families to remember loved ones who have died with its Light Up a Life appeal this Christmas.

Farleigh Hospice, based in Mid Essex, says Christmas can be a difficult time for those who have lost someone special in their lives.

The hospice is inviting people to remember relatives by making a donation and sharing memories on their Light Up a Life memory page.

The hospice is also holding ten remembrance services across the Maldon, Braintree and Chelmsford districts.

These will run from the end of November to mid December.

Remembering a loved one and donating to the Light up a Life appeal also helps the hospice to provide vital care for anyone affected by a life-limiting illness or bereavement.

Karen Matthams is one of these people.

She was referred to Farleigh last year with a diagnosis of incurable secondary breast cancer which had spread to other parts of her body.

Karen uses the full range of services offered by Farleigh Hospice.

She said: “Finding out your time is limited is very frightening for you, and those close to you.

“Farleigh was there for me from the point of diagnosis – they just took control which was what I needed.

“Farleigh’s support felt like having a comfort blanket wrapped around me.”

The Light Up a Life remembrance service at Chelmsford Cathedral will be live-streamed at facebook.com/FarleighHospice.

This service takes place on Thursday, December 9 at 7pm.

For more information on services visit farleighhospice.org/events/light-up-a-life-2021.