‘Their Light Still Shines’ Remembrance Service

Losing a loved one is lonely and in the build up to the festive season and the traditional time of celebration and sharing, a grieving person may feel like there is no place to find comfort or relief from the darkness of grief.

Ty Cymorth Day Hospice, Carmarthen led by the Chaplaincy Department of Hywel Dda University Health Board, is holding the 6th annual ‘Their Light Still Shines’ celebration service on November 19 at 2.30pm, providing a place of light and hope for those who are mourning.

The service will be held at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, in the peaceful glass dome. Entry is free via the main entrance and is open to all ages and faiths or none.

12 central candles will be lit, representing members of the family, work colleagues. This year a candle will also be lit to remember those who have died in incidents linked to agriculture.  People will also be given the opportunity to place message on the Christmas tree.

Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “People have told us that this service gives them an opportunity to come and to express their thoughts in a different way and that those who have no faith or no longer go to a place of worship can join others to light a candle and leave a message for and about their loved one.

“Grieving is a personal and highly individual experience. How you grieve depends on many factors, including your personality and coping style, your life experience, your faith, and the nature of the loss. The grieving process takes time.

“In celebrating and remembering, you will be supporting the work of Ty Cymorth Hospice however you do not have to have used the services of the hospice, you can remember anyone who was special to you, who lit up your life, or was an inspiration.

“This year marks the 50th anniversary year of the opening of the first Hospice in St Christopher’s Sydenham, London and we will honour this and the vision of Dame Cecily Saunders and her work at St Christopher’s Dame Saunders linked expert pain and symptom control, compassionate care, teaching and clinical research and for those who are professionally involved with the care of patients with terminal illness and the volunteers and fundraisers who support locally and beyond.

“I would like to thank the management of the National Botanic Garden of Wales for hosting this event; the great glass house offers a safe space for everyone of faith or no-faith to come together to share the pain of grief.”

In the event that you are unable to attend information can be obtained from the Ty Cymorth Hospice website www.tycymorth.org.uk and here is the opportunity to complete a dedication and to offer a donation to the hospice.

For further information please contact Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain, Hywel Dda University Health Board on 01267 227563 or euryl.howells2@wales.nhs.uk