John Penrose

Conservative Party | Weston-super-Mare

MP joins Weston Hospicecare and gospel choir in first Christmas candle glow of remembrance

12 December 2007

To the sounds of a gospel choir, Weston’s Italian Gardens hope to be aglow late next Thursday afternoon and early evening (Dec 20) when Weston Hospicecare invites people from all around North Somerset to pop into the centre of the seaside town and light a candle of remembrance for a loved one.

The North Somerset charity is holding its first ever “Christmas Candle Bag of Remembrance” gathering in the town’s Italian Gardens, adjacent to the Sovereign Shopping Centre, from 4p.m. to 8p.m. on Thursday, December 20.

Weston MP, John Penrose, will join the glow, from 5p.m. to 7p.m., linking with Weston Hospicecare fundraising manager, Penny Beare, to encourage people to make a donation to the charity as they make a dedication to someone they love by writing a message on a candle bag and setting the tea-light inside it aglow.

Churchill Community School’s Senior Gospel Choir, “Youthful Sprit”, will also be there, from 6p.m. to late, weather permitting.

Supporting both individuals and entire families alike, Weston Hospicecare was founded in 1989 and each and every year provides specialist palliative care for  around 600 patients with non-curative illnesses across North Somerset.

Annual running costs for the charity are in excess of £1.7 million p.a., with around 20% of funding coming direct from North Somerset Primary Care Trust.  The charity is dependant on donations and fund raising to make up the balance.

Says Weston Hospicecare’s Penny Beare: “Christmas is an especially emotional and poignant time for anyone who has lost a loved one or who may be supporting someone through an illness. Our candle glow is a chance for everyone to show their support.”

MP John Penrose says: “So much of Weston Hospicecare’s work goes unseen but those who do experience it first hand always remember it and are forever grateful for it. I hope as many people as possible come along next Thursday and make this candle glow light up, sharing happy memories and positive thoughts throughout.”

Weston Hospicecare’s new Christmas Candle Bag of Remembrance event is an extension to the charity’s annual Tree of Light Appeal, giving people the chance to see a light shining in memory of someone who may not be with them. The Tree of Light has stood in Weston’s Sovereign Shopping Centre since mid November.