Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is launching a new initiative to let the community celebrate love, life and special people.

Time to Remember will raise vital funds for the Poole-based charity’s Family Support & Bereavement Service.

Clare Gallie, Chief Executive Officer, pictured left, said: “We are encouraging the public to come on board and join in our extremely special and poignant celebration that is called ‘Time to Remember’.

“It is a very fitting opportunity in 2020 for people to remember their loved ones, express gratitude to special people in their lives or simply offer thanks to someone or a group of people, who have made a real difference to them.

“It’s a wonderful way to celebrate people in our lives and community.

“This year, more than any other year, it is incredibly important to take time out to remember our loved ones and extraordinary people who have impacted our lives.

“It’s been a tough time for so many, in a multitude of different ways.

“We anticipate people welcoming this poignant opportunity to reflect, show thanks, remember and celebrate life and friendships.”

Mandy Harris, Senior Nurse, said: “Donations will be used to fund our vital Family Support & Bereavement Service, allowing us to give invaluable support pre and post bereavement to our patients, their families and carers.

“Losing someone close to you can be one of the most difficult things anyone can face and many people struggle to come to terms with this loss.

“Offering our help throughout this distressing time can be crucial.”

How to get involved

To make your donation visit lewis-manning.org.uk/time-to-remember-2020 to dedicate a message and upload an image of your loved one(s).

Alternatively look out for Lewis-Manning in the Bournemouth Daily Echo where you will be able to fill in a paper form.

All of the messages received by November 23 will be included in special edition pages of the Echo, printed on large billboards located at Old Wareham and Serpentine Road in Poole and shown on the charity’s website in December.

What your donation means

You can make a difference and help Lewis-Manning Hospice Care bring strength and hope to children, partners and parents coping with the loss of a loved one.

• £14.42 would cover the cost of a one hour telephone call or visit, providing support to a grieving family.
• £28.84 will pay for two support sessions for families who have lost a loved one.
• £57.68 will pay for four hours of support, helping families develop coping mechanisms after the loss of a family member.