Care South added its support to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s ‘Candles on the Lake’, which took place on Saturday 15 October. The reflective event, which was held at The Ark in Poole, and raised over £8,000, gave everyone the opportunity to come together to celebrate and remember loved ones. Care South purchased paper candles for its homes, for residents to write messages which were released on the lake at the charity event by Care South’s community partner, AFC Bournemouth.

Care South’s chief executive, Simon Bird said: “As a charity partner of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, we are delighted to support such a worthwhile event, with our team and residents getting involved in various ways. Candles on the Lake is a lovely event that gives people the opportunity to do something special to remember their loved ones whilst coming together as a community. Last year was very powerful so it’s a pleasure to work together again to raise awareness and involve residents who are invited to personalise their own lights of hope in these difficult times, to remember not just loved ones but those that are still with us.”

Lewis-Manning’s fundraising manager, Vicki Gray said: “Our supporters and community are amazing. Despite the unsettled weather conditions, over three thousand people came to support our ‘Candles on the Lake’ event and waited patiently whilst we adapted our method to float the candles safely in the strong winds.

“It was very much a family orientated evening with lots of children attending with their parents and grandparents to remember loved ones no longer with us.

“There’s something very magical about seeing the lights floating in the dark, but more than that, there was a real sense of emotion and community spirit that filled the air.”

To make a donation, please visit: https://lewis-manning.org.uk/candles-on-the-lake/