Throughout October and November, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care hosted a series of moving community candle remembrance events across Dorset, raising over £23,000 for the charity’s Family Support and Bereavement Service.

Held at four iconic locations, each event provided a meaningful space for individuals and families to come together, reflect, and remember their loved ones:

Poole: Candles on the Lake (19th October, Poole Park)
Swanage: Candles by the Sea (26th October, Swanage Bandstand)
Wimborne: Candles on the Green (16th November, Wimborne Minster)
Christchurch: Candles at the Priory (26th November, Christchurch Priory)

Every event was fortunate to experience beautiful autumnal weather, and nearly 3,000 candles were placed in poignant displays, each carrying heartfelt messages of remembrance. Over 100 staff and volunteers from across the community collaborated to ensure the success of these events, reflecting the power of teamwork and shared compassion.

Each occasion was marked with a reflective message from an invited speaker and visitors were treated to a variety of music performances, different at each location. These included Boscombe Salvation Army Band, Wareham Town Band, Dorset Police Male Voice Choir, The Funky Little Choir, Cantilena Voices and Rock Choir.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care CEO, Clare Gallie said, “We are overwhelmed by the incredible support from our communities. These events are a testament to the deep connections people feel with our services and the importance of coming together to celebrate the lives of loved ones.

“The funds raised will make a real difference to our hospice, enabling us to continue offering bereavement and family support to those who need it most. Thank you to everyone who supported these wonderful evenings.”

Each event was supported by generous sponsors, whose contributions ensured their success:

Poole: Headline Sponsor – Care South, with additional sponsorship from Ives and Shand Funeral Service.
Swanage: Headline Sponsor – Barratt Homes, with additional sponsorship from James Smith Funeral Service.
Wimborne: Headline Sponsor – Care South, with additional sponsorship from Douch and Small Family Funeral Directors and MJP Law.
Christchurch: Headline Sponsor – Care South Wickmeads, with additional sponsorship from Frettens Solicitors.

The candle events also served to raise awareness of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s bereavement and family support services, shining a light on the charity’s mission to provide care and comfort to those navigating loss.