Health board offers ‘Loved Forever’ message service to remember loved ones this year

 Every year, Hywel Dda University Health Board’s ‘Their Light Still Shines’ service, held at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, provides an opportunity to remember loved ones who have passed and to celebrate their lives during the holiday period.

Sadly, this year due to the ongoing pandemic and social distancing requirements, we are not able to host our service to the community as we normally would.

Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “Christmas is a family time and for many years people who attend this service tell us they find a great deal of comfort as they remember family, friends and colleagues no longer with us.

“It is normally a season of happiness and celebration but for those who have lost someone they love, it can also be a time of great sadness. Coming together and sharing that experience can help people feel less alone in their grief. 

“Grieving those who have died has been especially difficult this year and last, often without the proximity of family and close friends who can provide real comfort and support, therefore it was important to continue our remembrance.”

Unfortunately this year, while we haven’t been able to offer an online service of remembrance and thanksgiving before Christmas, we understand the importance of celebrating the lives of our loved ones.

The community is invited to send an online message to remember and reflect on the happier times with someone you have lost either during the COVID-19 pandemic or previous years. Your message will be placed on the Christmas tree and a light will be lit daily from 10 December through to Christmas Day. 

For more information, or to send your message, you can email loved.forever.hdd@wales.nhs,uk or contact Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain on 01267 227563.

A service is being planned for spring 2022 and details will be made available when finalised.