St Catherine’s Hospice will be holding its much-loved Tree of Light services in December, giving the local community, in West Sussex and East Surrey, the chance to come together, honour someone special and hang a star of remembrance for a loved one.
The charity, which is to open its brand-new hospice at Pease Pottage in December, will be hosting two separate Tree of Light services:
Sunday 3 December at 3pm at Reigate College, Surrey
Sunday 10 December at 3pm at Copthorne Effingham Hotel, West Sussex
St Catherine’s understands that the festive season can be a difficult time of year for people who have lost someone special. At the heart of the non-religious services is a Tree of Light, adorned with hundreds of lights, where people have the opportunity to hang a star in memory of those no longer with us. The services include music and readings, and the chance to view a book of remembrance.
The services will be led by Selena King, St Catherine’s Spiritual Care Lead. Selena says: “Our Tree of Light services are a wonderful way to bring together members of our local community and remember important people who are no longer with us. We know that the festive season can be a challenging time for many, and these beautiful services are an opportunity to take time out from everyday busy life and dedicate some precious space to remember loved ones gone, but never forgotten.”
The services are free of charge and open to everyone, regardless of whether the hospice has cared for someone they know. Spaces need to be booked by visiting stch.org.uk/treeoflight or calling St Catherine’s Fundraising Team on 01293 447361.
St Catherine’s Hospice provides expert end of life care and support to terminally ill people and their families across West Sussex and East Surrey. St Catherine’s cares for around 2,000 people every year living with a terminal illness, in its hospice, in people’s own homes and in care homes. Eight in ten people cared for by St Catherine’s are supported in the comfort of their own home.
There will also be additional Tree of Light church services around East Surrey and West Sussex, details of these will be available at stch.org.uk/treeoflight.
