Hundreds of families came together to remember someone important to them at a poignant remembrance ceremony – helping to raise more than £35,000 for Ashgate Hospice. 

The Light up a Life event saw people take part in a procession and ceremony at the hospice in Old Brampton, Chesterfield on Sunday evening. 

About 300 supporters joined the 1.2-mile procession – lighting up the streets of the town with special lanterns personalised in tribute to their family and friends. 

The procession brought walkers to the hospice where they were then joined by about 200 more supporters who attended just the ceremony.  

Families from across the region and beyond came together to remember, celebrate and pay tribute to the lives of those no longer with us.  

Jack Wood, Director of Income Generation at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who braved a chilly December evening to join us for our Light up a Life event on Sunday. 

“As we approach the Christmas period, this can be an especially tough time for many, making it so important for our community to come together in this way to reflect and remember.   

“A huge thank you to everyone who came along to support us, from those who walked in our procession and to the people who attended our ceremony.  

“To have such incredible supporters means the world to us, and we hope coming along to the event helped provide comfort to those who took part.” 

The Light up a Life appeal, sponsored by Harold Lilleker & Sons Ltd, saw the hospice invite families to remember the life of someone special by dedicating a star in a virtual night sky for a suggested donation of £25. 

The remembrance service at the hospice was led by Siobhan Hoyes, the hospice’s Spiritual Care Practitioner and featured live music from Sheffield Cancer Choir. 

Those who supported the appeal are also invited to an open garden event at the hospice on Thursday 5 and Saturday 7 December.

With only 31% of Ashgate Hospice’s funding coming from the NHS, appeals like Light up a Life play a vital role in helping to raise the £11 million needed annually to fund end of life care for people in North Derbyshire.  

To date, the appeal has raised more than £35,000 towards vital care, supporting the hospice’s mission to care for those living with a life-limiting or incurable condition.   

Click here and find out more about how to support Ashgate Hospice’s Light up a Life appeal this winter.