Charity, Poole | Posted on November 1st, 2024 | return to news
Over 3,000 people gather in Poole for charity’s remembrance event
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s ‘Candles on the Lake’ event gathered over 3,000 people for an evening of remembrance and reflection.
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s annual event, ‘Candles on the Lake,’ returned to Poole Park on 19 October. Over 3,000 members of the community gathered for an evening of remembrance and reflection.
The event offered participants the opportunity to dedicate a message on a candle in memory of a loved one, with each candle floating across the serene waters of the lake near The Ark, creating a light display.
The reflective ambiance of the evening was enhanced by live musical performances from The Boscombe Salvation Army Band and The Funky Little Choir, creating a truly memorable and emotional experience for attendees.
One participant said: “I’ve recently lost two people close to me. This event has made me realise that I need to feel my grief now, and this is just such a beautiful opportunity to start that journey. Watching the candles float across the lake is stunning and very thought-provoking.”
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s Event Fundraiser Anna DuRose said: “The hospice is very grateful for the generous support of our headline sponsor, Care South, whose residents from the newly opened Marjorie House – named in honour of the hospice’s founder – were able to join in the evening’s commemorative ceremony.
“They brought candles with personal messages from residents in all Care South homes, a meaningful gesture that added to the evening’s heartfelt tributes.
DuRose also thanked Rockley Water Sports, who supplied the boards on which the candles floated, along with a team of volunteers to place each candle on the lake.
She added: “Additional gratitude goes to event partners including Ives and Shand Funeral Service, Abbas Cabins, Avon Material Supplies, Capitol Barriers, Abacus Vehicle Hire, South Coast Mini Marquees, One Nine 58 Event Coffee Van, and Hot Radio, as well as the 50-plus volunteers and staff who ensured a safe, meaningful, and memorable experience for all attendees.”
The evening also featured heartfelt words from speakers Jo Sharkey from Lewis-Manning’s Family Support and Bereavement Service team, and Trustee Ian Marshall, whose messages of compassion underscored the significance of the event.
Funds raised from ‘Candles on the Lake’ will directly benefit Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s Bereavement and Family Support services, which provide essential support for individuals and families navigating loss.
Other events coming up include ‘Candles on the Green’ at Wimborne Minster on 16 November and ‘Candles at the Priory’ at Christchurch Priory on 26 November.
Anyone wishing to take part is urged to pre order a candle at lewis-manning.org.uk/candles. Candles will also be available to purchase on the evening of the event.
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