Forest Holme - Crowds defy weather to light up lives at hospice event

Hundreds of people braved the weather and gathered to remember their loved ones as Forest Holme Hospice’s annual Light up a Light event was held in Poole Town Centre for the very first time. 

Due to the adverse weather conditions the event, which was sponsored by Dawsongroup Finance, was moved from Falkland Square to inside The Dolphin Shopping Centre, giving the local community the opportunity to come together to remember their loved ones, with guests including the Mayor of Poole.

Forest Holme Hospice provided activities during the day for families in The Dolphin Shopping Centre, including two performances from Poole and Parkstone Productions, before the main event at 4pm which included readings and carols led by a 115 strong choir featuring local singers from the Citrus Singers, The Sing and Grin Choir, Balance Choir and The Academy Singers children’s choir. 

Claire Cooper from the charity team at Forest Holme, said, “Light up a Life is such a poignant occasion and it was wonderful to see such a fantastic turn out, especially given the terrible weather. We welcomed both familiar and new faces, all coming together to reflect on the cherished memories we’ve shared with loved ones. We’re so grateful to everyone that has supported the event, especially the Dolphin Centre for accommodating us at the last minute, and to everyone who attended.”