Popular Suffolk memorial event to return as roadmap ends
St Elizabeth Hospice is inviting people to pay tribute to lost loved ones
A popular event allowing people to pay tribute to lost loved ones in Suffolk will return this summer.
Providing the roadmap out of lockdown goes to plan and restrictions allow, St Elizabeth Hospice will hold Suffolk Remembers on 21 June.
Previous events saw hundreds of people gather on Felixstowe seafront to pay tribute as 5,000 candles glow in the night.
Last year it was broadcast online but organisers are hopeful it will return to its traditional format.
St Elizabeth Hospice thinks, due to the pandemic, the event is even more important.
Pauline Donkin, Head of Individual Giving and Supporter Care, said: "When you think of the number of people we've lost locally to Covid in the last year, that's a huge amount of people. Some of those people have been alone in their grief and we want to reach out to them.
"If we can come together on that day, if you have lost a loved one then take that opportunity to come down, everyone will make you welcome.
"It's a time where we do shed a tear, but you're not shedding a tear on your own."
People who dedicate a candle to a loved one are asked to make a donation to the charity, which continues to care for more than 3,000 people every year.
Pauline continued: "At Suffolk Remembers you won’t be alone, the candle you light to remember someone special will shine brightly along with the other 5,000 memories on the night as the community joins together.
"As ever, the safety of our supporters is paramount and we will host Suffolk Remembers in accordance with government guidance and announce full event details in the near future.
"In the meantime we encourage all who wish to remember a loved one to contact our team to dedicate a virtual candle in their memory."
People can dedicate a candle via the charity's website, by emailing fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or calling 01473 727776.