Northern Ireland Hospice hosted its 30th annual Lights to Remember service last night [Thursday 19th December] at Dominican College, Fortwilliam, where attendees gathered to remember and celebrate the lives of lost loved ones.

School Principal Lynda Catney gave the welcome at the moving service, with NI Hospice President Paul Clark MBE as MC. The event included music and carols by Third Carrick Band, the Dominican College Fortwilliam Choir and the Hospice’s Ukulele Band, with thoughtfully selected reflections, readings and prayers from NI Hospice’s Specialty Doctor David Weir, Chair of Trustees Dr Gerry Millar MBE, Hospice Volunteer Nuala Mahon, and the Hospice’s chaplain Jackie Whyte.

In his welcome to the well-attended free service, Trevor McCartney, Acting Chief Executive of NI Hospice, said: “Tonight, we pause to honour and remember those who are no longer with us. Their lives continue to shine in our hearts, and their memories will forever be cherished. May the warmth of this gathering bring you comfort and support.

“This cherished tradition has become a beacon of comfort and support for countless grieving families across Northern Ireland. What began as a small gathering all those years ago to support Hospice families has now grown into a community-wide event, providing comfort and hope to all those who have lost precious loved ones.”

Alongside Aislinn Delaney, Hospice Social Work Lead, Christopher Smith and his eight-year-old daughter Meabh had also lit the first candle of remembrance at the service, in loving memory of all dearly departed family members and to support those who are grieving. Christopher’s beloved wife Leancha Smith died in Hospice last year at the age of 31 after a short illness.

After the service, there was a candle-light procession to Somerton House, the Adult In-Patient Unit on Belfast’s Somerton Road, where the Hospice Christmas tree lights were officially switched on by Christopher and Meabh Smith with NI Hospice President Paul Clark.

Speaking on behalf of his family, Christopher said: “The Hospice provided us with incredible support during an unimaginably difficult time, bringing comfort and care to Leancha and allowing us moments of peace together. We’re honoured to take part in the Lights to Remember service. It’s a way for us to celebrate Leancha’s life and to be part of a community that understands the depth of love and loss.”

The Ballyduff Silver Band then performed ‘Silent Night’ before Hospice Chaplain Jackie Whyte lead the Act of Remembrance and Benediction, followed by The Ballyduff Silver Band closing the evening, as all those gathered joined in a chorus of ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’. Among those attending was Hospice supporter James Moody, the current Mr Northern Ireland.

For those who could not attend, an online version of the service is available to view from the evening of Monday 23rd December.

The Lights to Remember appeal invites people across Northern Ireland to dedicate a light on the Hospice Christmas tree in memory of those who are no longer with us and to raise vital funds to support Hospice’s specialist palliative nursing care work across Northern Ireland.

It is still possible to dedicate a light to a loved one online on Hospice’s virtual Christmas tree, where a personal message or memory can be shared and a photo uploaded. To dedicate your light, or to find out more about the virtual Hospice Lights to Remember Service online, visit nihospice.org/lights

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