Families grieving for the loss of a loved one can find solace this Christmas with the help of St Barnabas Hospice.
The charity is inviting people from across the county to celebrate the lives of those they have lost by attending the Light Up A Life remembrance service.
People who do so can put a light on the St Barnabas Hospice Tree Of Life, based on the west front of the cathedral.
One family who will be taking part in the Light Up A Life service this year are the McKelveys.
Phil McKelvey’s wife, Jacqueline, lost her fight against cancer earlier this year, at the end of March. She was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003.
The 47-year-old mother-of-two was in remission for man than a year after undergoing a mastectomy, but the cancer came back.
Mr McKelvey, 47, of Boultham Park Road, was previously in the forces, but has given up work temporarily to look after his children.
“Jacqueline battled away with the trials, but there was nothing else to give her in the end,” said Mr McKelvey.
“The kids are brilliant and are really looking forward to playing a part in the ceremony, even though it’s going to be very emotional.
“The event shows how many people are in the same situation.”
The youngest of the two children, 10-year-old Kelly McKelvey, said: “I’ve written a poem about my mum which I’m going to read out.
“It’s the first year without her, so it will be sad.”
Her older brother, Bradley, 14, added: “It will be a nice event, but it will be sad without mum at Christmas time.”
Fundraising manager for St Barnabas Hospice Kim Frow said she was proud to have Kelly and Bradley fronting the Light Up A Life campaign.
“It’s been fantastic having Bradley and Kelly being the head of the campaign and they’ve done a fantastic job,” she said.
“I think it’s helped them as well as St Barnabas. Christmas can be a particularly hard time when handling grief and mourning.
“Coming along to the service and the procession can help families start to celebrate Christmas.”
The Light Up A Life service takes place tomorrow at 6.15pm,Tuesday 24 November and will be held at Our Lady Of Lincoln Church in Cabourne Avenue. The service will be followed by a torchlight procession at 7.30pm, starting from Claytons Sports Ground in Lee Road and ending at Lincoln Cathedral.
If, like Bradley and Kelly, you would like to dedicate a light to a loved one, or to find out more information about the event, call the St Barnabas Hospice fund-raising office on (01522) 540300.
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