Martlets will light candles for loved ones outside its Hove hospice on 15 December

Martlets^1,2,3, the Hove hospice, will hold its Light Up a Life evening outside the hospice on Wayfield Avenue at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15 December. It is a chance to remember someone who has died, and it is free.

The gathering lasts around 30 minutes and is led by Martlets’ chief executive, Stuart Palma. There will be moments of reflection, some music, and the lighting and dedicating of candles together. All the in-memory dedications will be on display at the hospice, and there are light refreshments afterwards.

The charity says the festive season can be hard for people who have lost someone, and describes the evening as “a gentle and supportive space where people of all faiths and none can come together to reflect and remember.”

It all happens outdoors at the front of the building, so the hospice asks people to dress warmly. Tickets are free but have to be booked, and Martlets encourages people to book early because the grounds have limited capacity. Donations are welcome online or at the event.

Martlets has cared for people with life-limiting illnesses in Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area since 1997, and says it has supported 34,000 local people in that time. Most of its patients are cared for in their own homes, and its care is free. An NHS grant covers part of the cost, and local people, businesses and trusts fund most of the rest.

Parking at the hospice is limited. Guests are asked to use Martlets’ warehouse, about ten minutes’ walk away, or nearby streets, or to come by train or bus: Aldrington station is about ten minutes on foot, and the 5A stops around two minutes away. A few blue badge spaces can be requested on the booking form.

Questions go to the supporter experience team on 01903 323555 or fundraising@martlets.org.uk.