Isabel Hospice is inviting people to help spread light and warmth throughout their community by hosting eight Lights of Love services across eastern Hertfordshire in November and December.

Lights of Love is an uplifting, inclusive occasion offering the opportunity to come together to remember those who are no longer with us but who hold a special place in our hearts.

Charlotte Carder, Isabel’s acting head of In-Patient Services, said: “If you haven’t attended before, Lights of Love is a chance to get together with the wider ‘Isabel family’; people who have been touched by our work, or simply want to gather with others to remember someone special at this time of year.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Isabel Hospice Lights of Love tree lit up.Isabel Hospice Lights of Love tree lit up. (Image: Isabel Hospice)

“There will be readings and carols as well as a moment of reflection for those we have loved and lost, or who have inspired us or given meaning to our lives in some way, before the magical moment when we illuminate the Lights of Love tree, which we know marks the beginning of the festive period for many local families.”

 

When are the Lights of Love services taking place in 2022?

Lights of Love services are taking place on the following dates:

  • Saturday, November 19 at 4pm – Van Hage Garden Centre, Ware
  • Saturday, November 19 at 4pm – Sayesbury Manor, Sawbridgeworth
  • Friday, November 25 at 6pm – The Manor House, Buntingford
  • Saturday, December 3 at 4pm – Hertford Castle, Hertford
  • Sunday, December 4 at 4pm – Market Square, Bishop’s Stortford
  • Tuesday, December 6 at 6pm – Living Well with Isabel Community Hub, Hall Grove, Welwyn Garden City
  • Saturday, December 10 at 4pm – The Green at Campus West, Welwyn Garden City
  • Sunday, December 11 at 4pm – Halsey Masonic Hall, Cheshunt.

 

Families can make a dedication to someone special via www.isabelhospice.org.uk/lightsoflove and are also encouraged to make a donation to support the life-changing care and support Isabel Hospice offers to people facing the darkest of times. 

The money raised through Lights of Love helps ensure that more people like Pearl Roots, who was cared for by the charity’s In-Patient and Hospice at Home teams before she died, can have an expert professional by their side, someone who is not only highly skilled but who cares and wants to make a difference. 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Pearl Roots, who was cared for by the charity’s In-Patient and Hospice at Home teams.Pearl Roots, who was cared for by the charity’s In-Patient and Hospice at Home teams. (Image: Isabel Hospice)

Pearl’s daughter Jayne said: “Mum stayed in the In-Patient Unit for a week and the quality of the care was so much better than what we’d experienced up until that point.

“She felt safe and cared for and I visited her every day and was able to stay for as long as I wanted. We were able to take her outside for little walks around the garden and they even cooked her a steak dinner after telling them it was her favourite food. 


“When she had been in hospital, I was constantly worried about her, but with the Hospice all that anxiety and stress lifted. Her every need was met.” 

Welwyn Garden City-based Isabel continued to care for Pearl when she was discharged, with the Hospice at Home team supporting the family alongside its clinical nurse specialists. 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Singing at one of Isabel Hospice's Lights of Love services.Singing at one of Isabel Hospice's Lights of Love services. (Image: Isabel Hospice)

“Not having the Hospice involved to support us all doesn’t bear thinking about. I would have struggled and mum wouldn’t have had the care that she needed and deserved.

“It made all of our lives easier at such a difficult time, and I knew they were only ever a text or phone call away. 

“My mum was so loved and I’m just so thankful that the Hospice was there when we needed them.”


For more information, visit www.isabelhospice.org.uk/lightsoflove.

 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Lights of Love service.Lights of Love service. (Image: Isabel Hospice)