A hospice is set to host a series of memorial services this December.

West Essex and East Herts charity, St Clare Hospice will host the events from December 12 to 17 at the hospice site in Hastingwood.

The annual Light up a Life events will include music from the Salvation Army band and singing as participants gather “in the company of others who understand”.

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There will also be the opportunity for families with young children to take part in arts and craft activities organised by the patient & family support team, before the hospice services.

Hospice CEO Sarah Thompson said: “Light up a Life is our annual celebration of everything that St Clare stands for – joining together with families from across our community in honour of their loved ones at the festive season.

“It is an extension of our care, and especially at this time of year when loss is often more keenly felt, our local communities need a special way to remember their loved ones.

This Is Local London: Tree at St Clare Hospice shining at last year's Light up a Life serviceTree at St Clare Hospice shining at last year's Light up a Life service (Image: St Clare Hospice)

“We hope you will join us to remember and celebrate the lives of your loved ones this December at one of our heartfelt and uplifting services.”

The Light up a Life services are free to attend, and each event is open to everyone of any faith, not just families of those cared for by the hospice.

There will also be an opportunity to make a personal dedication to someone special in their book of remembrance ahead of the event, with names needed by November 18.

Participants can also request Light up a Life stars to be personalised with a special message of remembrance which will be displayed in the Hospice throughout December.

This Is Local London: Four services will be taking place at the Hospice in Hastingwood this yearFour services will be taking place at the Hospice in Hastingwood this year (Image: St Clare Hospice)

Although attendance is free, the charity, which relies on raising £8,000 every day, says it would appreciate any donations.

Six additional services will be held in partnership with the hospice at other locations.

These are: Loughton Methodist Church on November 26 , Waltham Abbey Church on December 1 , St Mary’s Church on December 5 and 6, St Martin’s Church on December 7, and Hatfield Heath United Reform Church on December 11.