THOUSANDS of loved ones are being remembered and celebrated over the festive season through the St Richard's Hospice Lights of Love initiative.

Almost 3,000 dedications to loved ones have been made this year, with lights shining on the hospice Christmas tree in St Andrew’s Spire, Worcester.

The dedicated names are also recorded on boards around the tree and in books of thanksgiving in Worcester Cathedral, Great Malvern Priory, Pershore Abbey and Droitwich Library.

More than 2,000 people attended special Lights of Love services in five events around the county, more than ever before.

St Richard’s Hospice senior fundraiser, Alison Parkes, said: “Lights of Love brings comfort and support to many as we remember and celebrate those people who are close to our hearts.

"We are grateful to everyone in the community who has dedicated a light of love and donated £43,000 towards our hospice care this year.

“We are truly thankful for the way our community continues to support our care of people living with life-limiting illnesses who need our support.”

Lights of Love is sponsored by Andrew Grant Sales and Lettings and supported by Open GI, Droitwich Lions, Worcester City Council, Worcester County Council, Penny Raby & Co, Leigh Sinton Farm Nurseries for the Christmas tree, and Place Partnership for the tree lights.

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their families.

Each year the hospice team supports more than 2,500 patients and family members in Worcestershire in its Day Hospice, its 17-bed pn-patient unit and in their own homes.

Anyone who would like to donate to help the hospice care for bereaved families over the festive season can do so online at crowdfunder.co.uk/christmas.

For more information on the hospice visit strichards.org.uk