1,200 people attend Exeter Hospiscare service

Nearly 1,200 people attended Exeter Hospiscare’s Light Up a Life remembrance service at the city’s cathedral.

The Dean of Exeter Cathedral, the Very Reverend Jonathan Draper welcomed the congregation saying the cathedral was invented for services like this. While the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, Bishop of Crediton and a vice-president of Hospiscare outlined the local charity’s work and said the care given would not be possible without the support of so many people and thanked the congregation for attending.

Exe Valley Strings and the Exeter Police and Community Choir performed, readings were given by Hospiscare staff and volunteers and the South West Ballet Arts Company performed to I Hope You Dance.

Dr Tim Harlow, Hospiscare consultant, gave a short reflective talk of experiences which have led him to believe that the hospice is sacred ground.

The Book of Memories, in which people remember their loved ones, was blessed and Hospiscare chaplain Nigel Masons gave a prayer of dedication. The Book of Memories is on view at the cathedral until 6 January and afterwards at the hospice chapel in Dryden Road.

Kevin Mills and his family who live in Wonford have started a family tradition of attending the service. Kevin’s mum Brenda died last New Year’s Day after being cared for by Hospiscare.

He described the cathedral service like this: “Everyone feels the sadness of those they have lost, and the way those loved ones had to leave us.... but the love comes through, and it’s a place where you go and you know you are not alone. It brings good memories and I draw a lot of strength from it.”

At the end of the service the congregation left the cathedral to watch the Tree of Light being lit on the Cathedral Green. The tree was erected and lit thanks to Sherwoods Building Services Engineers, Heaver Brothers Ltd, Clinton Devon Estates and Exe Scaffolding.