Thousands walk in memory of loved ones

 More than 1,500 people joined a torchlit parade in memory of their loved ones on Tuesday as part of the St Barnabas Hospice Light Up A Life Appeal.

Led by the RAF Waddington Pipe Band supporters of all ages walked from Clayton’s Sports Ground to Lincoln Cathedral while holding flaming torches and lanterns. 

The Torchlight Procession paused at the hospice’s Inpatient Unit on Nettleham Road for a rendition of Amazing Grace enjoyed by patients, staff, and volunteers inside the building. 

At the front of the procession was Suzanne Sheppard, who dedicated a light to her sister, Caroline, who sadly died in the hospice in 2023. When the procession arrived at the cathedral Suzanne lit the ceremonial torch that burned throughout the service. 

Compered by Melvyn Prior this included songs from local choirs and performers with brief messages from representatives of St Barnabas Hospice. 

Chief Executive Chris Wheway said: “This is my ninth year doing the Torchlight Procession and it becomes more magical and more cherished each year that we do this.

“This is a community coming together, this tonight is a social movement, this is about saying: we celebrate, we honour, and we remember.

“A huge thank you to you all for being here and supporting us. Every pound you donate, every item of clothing, every hour you give us, changes lives. By being here tonight, you are changing lives. And I just think that’s the most beautiful, precious thing at this time of year to think about.”

The 30ft Tree of Life outside the cathedral was illuminated during a performance of Candle in the Darkness written for the event by Ben Poole and Tim Marks of The Starring Theatre Company and performed by Grace Jackson.

Supporters were then invited to write Messages of Love and tie them to the railings.

The procession is part of the hospice’s annual Light up a Life appeal which is expected to raise £50,000 – the total so far this year is over £28,200.

The Tree of Life sits outside the cathedral until early January - to add a Message of Love to the railings next to the tree visit the Lincoln Visitor Information Centre in Castle Square to collect a tag in return for a donation to St Barnabas.

Those unable to attend the event can watch the live streams on Facebook or dedicate a light on the Tree of Life at https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/light-up-a-life/.

Photos: Stuart Wilde

Aerial photo: Michael Kheng, Kurnia Aerial Photography.