A Lights of Love Service in support of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice has been cancelled due to the pandemic.

Elise Hoadley, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice service director, said they had taken the "difficult decision" not to hold the service which was due to take place at St Matthew's Church on Wednesday 8th December at 6.30pm.

She said: "We're sorry for any disappointment this may cause, but we feel this is the right thing to do during the ongoing pandemic to keep all those who would normally attend - supporters, volunteers and staff - safe.

"We are sad not to be able to welcome people to come together and celebrate the lives of loved ones, especially when we know how much comfort this brings.

"If you're finding it hard to cope this festive season following the loss of somebody close to you, our Online Bereavement Support services can help. We have an online bereavement support community which offers peer to peer support from other people who are experiencing grief as well as a free video counselling service. You can access these services on your computer, smartphone or tablet by visiting the Sue Ryder website."

For anyone wishing to make a dedication in memory of loved ones this festive season, Sue Ryder has created a dedicated Lights of Love Memorial Page at sueryder.dedicationpage.org/leckhamptonlights 

"We also hope you will join us virtually this Christmas Eve to light a candle in memory of your loved ones in a moment of reflection. We will be sharing details of how you can join us on our social media channels at the start of December."