In a moving occasion at Norwich Cathedral, hundreds of families and friends of all ages took a moment to think of those who would not be with them this Christmas, as part of the Marie Curie Cancer Care Lights to Remember service.

 

The annual non-denominational service is one of the biggest of its kind in the country and an appeal asking people across Norfolk to sponsor a light on the Cathedral Christmas Tree in memory of a departed friend or relative is again set to raise thousands of pounds to support the work of the charity.

 

Dr Iain Brooksby, Marie Curie patron for Norfolk, said the evening could be emotional for many of those taking part and was also an important opportunity to acknowledge the work of the charity's nurses and volunteers, who provide nursing care to terminally ill people in their own homes.

The special service included carols, readings and poems and a Book of Remembrance was also available for people to write their own messages in.

Among those giving the readings was Norfolk-based General Sir Richard Dannatt, the former head of the army, said the service also offered the chance for people to think positively about their loved ones.

“Christmas is an important time of year where we think about the birth of Christ and new life and new hope, and to be able to focus on that is very important.”

 

 

 

 

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