MOVING candlelight remembrance events in Poole and Swanage raised more than £23,000 for charity.

The events took place at Poole Park and Swanage Bandstand in October in aid of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s family support and bereavement service.

Nearly 3,000 candles were placed in poignant displays, each carrying heartfelt messages of remembrance.

Similar events took place in Wimborne and Christchurch.

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.

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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 sponsors:
• Poole headline sponsor was Care South, with additional sponsorship from Ives and Shand Funeral Service.
• Swanage headline sponsor was Barratt Homes, with additional sponsorship from James Smith Funeral Service.

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.

For more information about Lewis-Manning Hospice Care or to support their work, visit their website.