People are being urged to support ellenor hospice by signing up for its annual commemorative service.

ellenor, which is based in Gravesend and looks after patients across North West Kent, has adapted to pandemic safety restrictions by moving its annual Lights of Love service online – and the whole community is invited to attend.

Event sponsor Esquire Developments is calling on people to back the hospice in a time of need and to take part.

Emma Bowles, of ellenor, said: “The Lights of Love ceremony has always been an important part of our calendar. At a time of year when bereaved families can be particularly affected by the absence of a loved one, it provides a safe space for families to pay tribute and to remember.

“Moving the ceremony online allows us to continue to offer this service whilst adhering to government restrictions. It’s also made us aware that in the future – when we can be together – filming and offering the service remotely will be an important way of reaching out to people who are unable to visit the hospice.”

People are invited to share stars with written memories of their loved ones. These are then added to ellenor’s giant Christmas tree, which is illuminated during the service.

All dedications will be included in a commemorative book held at the hospice – and available for visitors to read once it is considered safe to visit.

David Braddon, director of Esquire Developments, said: “ellenor is a charity that is very close to our hearts at Esquire, and with the year everyone has had to endure it was important to us that we extended our support further.

"The hospice is an important part of the community, offering care and support during difficult times.

"Like all charities, ellenor has been affected by the pandemic and seen reduced fundraising opportunities and increased need by the community.

"We hope people will rally round to help them continue with their good work.”

The Lights of Love online service takes place at 6pm on Saturday, December 12.

It is free to watch, but people are asked to give what they can to help the hospice beat its fundraising target of more than £30,000, after previous fundraising activities were cancelled due to pandemic safety.

To find out more about Lights of Love, or to make a donation, visit ellenor.org/lights-of-love

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