Sue Ryder's Lights of Love campaign shares memories of loved ones at Christmas
Howard Lake | 3 November 2011 | News
This Christmas, Sue Ryder is inviting people to celebrate their special memories of loved ones and share them with others to help each other cope with grief and loss.
The health and social care charity – that runs 7 hospices, 7 neurological care homes as well as community-based services across the country – will host Lights of Love themed events throughout December to give people the opportunity to celebrate their most cherished memories.
Sue Ryder’s Lights of Love is an annual campaign which gives people the chance to make a dedication in honour of a person who is special to them. Sara Novara at Sue Ryder comments:”Lights of Love gives people the opportunity to come together to remember and make a special dedication to a person who has touched or inspired their life. Many people find it difficult to cope with bereavement especially at Christmas when family and friends come together to celebrate”.
A recent survey conducted by Sue Ryder* revealed that over half of people (59%) choose to celebrate the life of a loved one at Christmas by sharing their fondest memories with friends and family. Results also showed that 61% find it helpful to talk openly about their feelings and memories of their loved ones as a way of coping with bereavement during the festive season.
Sara added: “Memories are forever and they are a precious gift. It is important to take the time to remember the people who have played a vital role in our lives loving us, helping us to achieve our full potential and sharing with us our happy and sad moments”.
TV presenter Kate Thornton, a keen supporter of Sue Ryder, says, “I’m delighted to support Sue Ryder’s Lights of Love campaign this Christmas. It’s a wonderful way for people to support each other and come together for a magical evening to remember loved ones, at what can often be a difficult and emotional time of year. In the run up to the festive season, people’s thoughts often turn to their loved ones, families and friends – dedicating a Light of Love is a way in which people can celebrate treasured memories and time spent together.
“I’ve seen first-hand the wonderful care and compassion that Sue Ryder’s staff provide at their hospices for people living with complex and end-of-life conditions. They do an amazing job and I would urge people everywhere to support the charity’s Lights of Love campaign, either through attending one of their Christmas services or by making a donation. By supporting this campaign, you’ll help Sue Ryder to continue providing the best possible care to the people who need it most.”
If you would like to receive more information about Lights of Love or request a Lights of Love pack please visit
http://www.sueryder.org/pages/lights_of_love.html
or call 0207 554 5900. People keen to dedicate a Light of Love will be encouraged to give a donation of their choice to Sue Ryder. Everyone making a dedication and a donation will receive a Lights of Love Christmas star on which they can write a personal message before hanging it on their tree at home.
With over 50 years experience Sue Ryder provides end of life and long-term care to people living with complex conditions including cancer, stroke, dementia and Multiple Sclerosis. The charity seeks to improve the quality of life for people with complex care and support needs and offers individuals, and their families, choice and control over the care that they receive.
For more information about Sue Ryder please visit
www.sueryder.org
*The survey was conducted on the charity’s website and Facebook pages between Mon 12 September and Wed 23 September. A total of 530 people took part.
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.