A magnificent £17,000 was raised on Sunday through our annual Light Up a Life Appeal.
The afternoon began at All Saint’s Church with a short service led by The Revd. Canon Christopher Morgan-Jones; The Hospice Chaplain, The Revd. Mike Hayes and Chaplaincy Student, Ian Parish.
The congregation joined together in traditional Christmas carols, such as Silent Night and Hark the Herald Angels Sing and listened to readings from Hospice Volunteer Muriel Annett; Macmillan Nurse Michele Austin and Councillor Denise Joy Deputy Mayor of Maidstone.
The Hospice choir sang 2 Carols including, Now Light One Thousand Christmas Lights, which has now become a Hospice tradition.
700 – 800 people joined in the Candlelit Procession from Lockmeadow to the grounds of Archbishops’ Palace for the second service, led by Hospice Chaplain, the Revd. Mike Hayes.
The uplifting service of remembrance, included a solo performance by Helen Swann, Hospice Volunteer and choirs from The Kent Music School; Allington Primary and St Francis Catholic School, with their own unique version of Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer.
Everyone stood together with illuminated candles to sing traditional carols accompanied by members of the KM Medway Band and listened to readings by Tom Chapman, aged 10; James Williams, aged 10 and Richard Jones, Chairman of Board of Trustees.
The Lights on the tree were illuminated during the poignant carol Now Light 1000 Christmas Lights and will now remain lit until 6th January.
For the first time this year, a Book of Remembrance recording names of loved ones was blessed. The book will be available for viewing in All Saint’s Church, during the following times:
Wednesday 12th December, 12 – 2
Saturday 15th December, 10 – 12
Wednesday 19th December, 12 – 2
Saturday 22nd December, 10 – 12
Thank you to all those who took part in this memorable occasion.
