St Barnabas Hospice is marking 25 years of its iconic Torchlight Procession, part of the much-loved Light Up A Life campaign, which gives families the chance to remember loved ones.
Now in its 25th year, this poignant event has grown from 100 people and a lone piper to over 1,000 led by the RAF Waddington Pipe Band, gathering to light the Tree of Life. Each torch is a symbol of a loved one being remembered.
On Tuesday 18th November, the flaming torch will be carried by runners from the St Barnabas Hospice Inpatient Unit on Nettleham Road to Clayton Sports Ground, where it will be used to light the procession torches. Once lit, the procession will journey past the Inpatient Unit, pausing for a moment of reflection, before moving onto Lincoln Cathedral.
St Barnabas’ Tree of Life, kindly donated by Doddington Hall, will be illuminated following a service of celebration and reflection outside Lincoln Cathedral. For a small donation, supporters are welcome to write a message and tie it to the tree in memory of a loved one no longer with us.
Amelia Chambers, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at St Barnabas, says: “This special 25th milestone comes within a challenging year for St Barnabas. More families than ever need our support, and rising costs are making it harder to provide care.
“Supporting our Christmas appeal, by registering for the Torchlight Procession and dedicating a light, makes such a huge difference. It truly helps us to keep providing care when it’s needed most.”
Light Up A Life allows people to remember loved ones by dedicating a light on the Tree of Life. Anyone is welcome to dedicate a light, not just those affected by hospice care.
Sheila Flatters lost her husband, Malc, in December 2023, not long after celebrating their Ruby Wedding Anniversary with family. This year, which would have marked their 42nd wedding anniversary, Sheila is attending the Torchlight Procession and dedicating a light in his memory.
Sheila says: “All the team at St Barnabas go above and beyond with their excellent care. Malc was given dignity, and they helped him with his sense of humour – they just kept him going. They respected him as a person. They made him comfortable, and I knew that I could go home, and he would be in safe hands. I don’t know how I would have done it without them.”
Reflecting on last year’s Torchlight Procession, Sheila says: “You know it’s going to be emotional but being there with so many people remembering their loved ones is a special kind of emotion. We know that Malc will be there with us also.”
Join Sheila in dedicating a light to honour loved ones and help the Hospice care for people, like Malc, in the future. Every donation for a light brings care, dignity, and comfort to local families.
As financial pressures continue to grow, your generosity helps meet the urgent needs across Lincolnshire and protects St Barnabas’ future. £42 could mean a comforting home visit from a nurse for a whole family. £115 could provide a full day of expert nursing care this Christmas.
To dedicate a light or book for the Torchlight Procession on Tuesday 18th November, please visit: Light up a Life with St Barnabas Hospice
For anyone unable to attend the Torchlight Procession, the Hospice will stream the event live on their Facebook page. The Tree of Life will remain outside Lincoln Cathedral until early January for quiet reflection.
As part of the festive calendar, on Saturday 29th November, Lincoln Cathedral will host its Advent Carol Service by Candlelight, marking the start of Advent with traditional carols, hymns, and readings. Held in partnership with St Barnabas Hospice, this reflective service is free to attend and open to all. Find out more: Advent Carol Service, by Candlelight – St Barnabas Hospice
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St Barnabas Hospice is a local independent charity and every year they support more than 12,000 people across Lincolnshire. They deliver free, high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care and support to people living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, their family and carers. St Barnabas offers the patient and their family’s hospice care and support via: specialist Inpatient care, community ‘Hospice at Home’ service, day therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy & complementary therapy, welfare advice & support and bereavement support. All the services are free. St Barnabas needs to raise over £7m a year to provide its support and care. Over 1,100 volunteers play a crucial role in the charity’s success.
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