The loss of someone close can be difficult to cope with. The Paul Sartori Foundation, in conjunction with their free bereavement counselling service, provide comfort and support in partnership with local people by organising special Light up Life events. These events are for anyone of any faith or of no faith. Individuals, families and friends are invited to attend and celebrate the life of a loved one and dedicate a symbolic light in their memory.

The ‘Light up a Life Season’ is a nationwide Hospice UK event where the aim is to reflect on those who are no longer with us. The Paul Sartori Foundation holds two events during the Light up a Life period. The opening service was held at St. Katharine and St. Peter’s Church Milford Haven during November. The closing service will be held at Picton Castle The Rhos near Haverfordwest on Saturday, January 27, at 3 pm. Musical pieces, readings, and soloists provide a suitable environment for reflection.

The service will be opened by Phil Thompson MBE, recently appointed chairman of the Paul Sartori Foundation, with musical interludes by Julie Conybeare, clarinet soloist; Margaret Blackledge, accompanist; Corran Singers and Ann Harry, accompanist. Attendees will be given the opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one during the service and afterwards the opportunity to take a silent walk, if they wish, to ‘The Tree of Life’ in the Castle Garden to leave a dedicated message. After the ceremony everyone is invited for complementary light refreshments in Maria’s Café at Picton Castle.

“Light up a Life is a time of remembrance, and our events aim to provide time for people to reflect in a safe supportive environment along with others in a similar situation. It is our hope that people who attend find comfort and support from one and other as well as the readings by community members and musical performances provided by local talented artists from around the county,” said Sandra Dade, charity manager at Paul Sartori, adding: “Anyone who has experienced a loss can come along whether they have used our Hospice at Home services or not.”

Paul Sartori urge people wishing to attend this special event to contact Paul Sartori at Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, or ’phone 01437 763223, alternatively people can email [email protected]. Due to limited space, you are advised to get in touch and give your surname and the number of people expected to attend.

The Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Service provides a range of services to people living in the final stages of a life limiting illness, including home nursing care, equipment loan, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, clinical nurse specialist in palliative care, physiotherapy, advance care planning and training. The services provided by the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Service enable people in the later stages of any life-limiting illness to be cared for at home with dignity, independence, pain free and surrounded by those they hold most dear.

Further information on the charity and its services can be obtained by visiting their website www.paulsartori.org.