What is Tree of Light and why is it special?

“As the nights draw in and winter approaches, it’s a welcome time of the year to have an event that unites everyone in celebration of a life lived.” Fiona Lee, daughter of a patient.

Many people find comfort in attending our Tree of Light service, an annual event which provides a sensitive and meaningful way for friends and family to gather together to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who won’t be with you this Christmas. Everyone is welcome, regardless of whether the loss is recent, some time ago, or if the person being remembered was cared for by St Catherine’s or elsewhere.

The simple service includes carols and readings and perhaps most importantly, an opportunity to pause, reflect and remember the life of someone who cannot be with us at this time of year.

Our main Tree of Light service is held at K2 Leisure Centre Crawley in December but we also have a number of smaller services held around our catchment area and we would be delighted to welcome you and your family to any of them.

Fiona Lee’s mum June died at St Catherine’s in 2008 and Fiona and her family attended our Tree of Light Service in 2008.  Read about her experience.

Remembering a loved one

Many people find that sponsoring a light on our tree and making a dedication is also a positive way to remember a loved one or friend. All names sponsored will be entered into our Book of Remembrance which will be displayed at the main service at K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley, and then kept on display at the hospice.

In recognition of your donation, you will receive confirmation that your light will be shining on our tree. You will also receive a “star” decoration on which to write a dedication. You might like to hang this at home or place it on the special trees before the main service at K2. If you are attending an alternative service, we will be pleased to hang the decoration on your behalf, and then display this at the hospice.

During the service in Crawley the Tree of Light will be lit in honour of all those being remembered - the lights symbolic reminders of lives to be cherished and of lasting memories. After the service the Tree of Light will shine out into the night outside the hospice until twelfth night.

For more information please call 01293 447364.