High winds on Sunday (November 29) in Chester meant that fundraising lilies for a city hospice could not be launched on the River Dee as planne.

More than 400 people turned up to The Groves on Sunday afternoon for the annual Hospice of the Good Shepherd Light up a Life service to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

The Hospice of the Good Shepherd Light Up a Life event at the River Dee on Sunday, November 29
The Hospice of the Good Shepherd Light Up a Life event at the River Dee on Sunday, November 29

Now in its 5th year, the event has grown in popularity and although it had been raining for much of the day, it held off in time for people to enjoy the service with music from Kelsborrow Choir and singer Dan Bowman.

Instead of launching the lilies on the river, people held them in their hands as the event unfolded.

The Hospice of the Good Shepherd Light Up a Life event at the River Dee on Sunday, November 29

Chief executive of the hospice Steve Hoy highlighted the importance of being able to take time to come together as a community at Christmas and remember those no longer with us.

Community fundraising manager Rachel Thomas said: “It was great to see families turn up to take time to remember their loved ones. One family had four generations there from great grandparent through to new born babies that really highlighted the importance of celebrating life at this special time of the year.”

The Hospice of the Good Shepherd Light Up a Life event at the River Dee on Sunday, November 29: The McNee family Alex, Olivia, Alasdair and Jo
The Hospice of the Good Shepherd Light Up a Life event at the River Dee on Sunday, November 29: The McNee family Alex, Olivia, Alasdair and Jo

One of the hospice’s youngest volunteers Ben Booth was one of two elves greeting people in the crowds to encourage them to enter a Christmas pudding competition.

The Hospice of the Good Shepherd Light Up a Life event at the River Dee on Sunday, November 29: Elves Ben Booth and Gemma Macey
The Hospice of the Good Shepherd Light Up a Life event at the River Dee on Sunday, November 29: Elves Ben Booth and Gemma Macey

Ben, a pupil at The Fir’s School, said, “It feels really good to be able to do something helpful for others at Christmas. “I’m not allowed to taste the pudding though because it has a lot of brandy in it.”

For your chance to win a Christmas pudding visit www.hospicegs.com/news/christmas-pud .