by Lorraine Gibson.

A gathering of thousands of people for a moving event in aid of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care on October 15 was described as ‘amazing’ by the charity’s fundraising manager, Vicki Gray.

“Our supporters and community are amazing,” she said.
“Despite the unsettled weather conditions, more than 3,000 people came to support our Candles on the Lake event and waited patiently whilst we adapted our method to float the candles safely in the strong winds.”
The free memorial, at The Ark in Poole Park, brought friends and families together to reflect, celebrate and remember the lives of loved ones. By donating money for a candle, they raised funds for the hospice with many supporters adding personal messages to their candles.

Vicki said: “Rockley Watersports released more than 1,000 candles onto the lake, despite the challenging weather, to create a magical display of floating lights.
“In honour of the Late Queen Elizabeth II, the first candle was a purple light that shone on the lake.”
While poignant and, at times, sombre, there was levity, too. Boscombe Salvation Army Band played and there were performances from Peter’s Community Choir and Rock Choir.
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s Family Support & Bereavement Lead, Jo Sharkey delivered an affecting reading.

“It was a family-orientated evening with lots of children, parents and grandparents remembering loved ones,” said Vicki.
“There’s something very magical about seeing the lights floating in the dark, but more than that, there was a real sense of emotion and community spirit.
“It raised over £8,000 which will go towards funding our Bereavement and Family Support service, and other vital care and support to patients and their families, from diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, through to end of life and bereavement.”

Many staff from the event’s sponsors, Care South, floated a candle in celebration of a loved one and their head of marketing & PR, Chris Golding said: “Care South were thrilled to support Candles on the Lake, it was a magical event that brought the community together. We were delighted to play a part in helping to make it another huge success.”
The flameless candles were floated safely and collected at the end by volunteers to avoid litter; they’ll be reused for subsequent years.
lewis-manning.org.uk