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Lives lost to addiction remembered in Norwich 

PebblesSX400A Service of Remembrance for those who have died through drugs or alcohol addiction across Norfolk will be held at Norwich Cathedral on October 2, at 7.30pm.

Norwich-based drugs and alcohol addiction charity, the Matthew Project, is supporting this event. Its CEO, Paul Martin, said: “This service provides an opportunity to spend time remembering those people whom we cared about, who are no longer with us due to alcohol and drug use. 
 
“We often find it difficult to express our feelings on the death of a loved one, and in these situations we can find it hard to be open about the realities behind these losses.  In this service we can all come together with a shared and non-judgemental understanding of the variety of emotions we feel and in doing so find strength and peace.
 
“Every year too many people die as a result of drugs and alcohol in Norfolk. When this happens people can find it hard to say goodbye properly, due to shock, stigma and confusion. For some people it is a tragedy that is hard to share and difficult to bear.”
 
This is the seventh year for the Service of Remembrance held at Norwich Cathedral. Each year over 150 people have turned up to remember their loved ones and commemorate their lives.  People come from across the region, some even travelling from London and Cambridge.
 
William Armstrong, Sheriff of Norwich, said: “As Norfolk Coroner for nearly two decades I often conducted inquests into the deaths of those whose lives had been tragically cut short as the result of drugs or alcohol. I met many families grieving the loss of loved ones suffering pain and devastation as the result. The service in the Cathedral will be a way in which their grief can be acknowledged and they can be given acceptance and support. It will also provide an opportunity to honour those who have died.”
 
“Whilst living with or supporting someone with a drug or alcohol problem can be extremely difficult, this service is an opportunity to also remember the good in those that have died and that every individual is unique and special.  As carers, of loved ones who have sadly taken this path, we grieve everyday for a life lost to drugs or alcohol.  Often support groups such as the Matthew Project are the only lifeline to those relatives affected during the ‘living years’ of an addict.”
 
During the service there will be an opportunity for people to choose a pebble and place it in front of the altar in memory of the person they have known and cared for.  Different people will take part in the service including parents and friends who have lost loved ones to drugs and alcohol.
 
Tea and coffee with be available afterwards if people wish to stay. There will also be people available to talk to if this would be helpful. All are welcome
 
For more information please call 01603 626123 or visit www.matthewproject.org
 


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