In early December, Oakhaven Hospice hosted five special services of remembrance to enable communities to ‘light up a life’ and cherish the memory of loved ones.

‘Light up a Life’ brought together people of all ages in services at Hanger Farm Arts Centre in Totton, Beaulieu Abbey Church, St John’s Church in Hythe, St Thomas’ Church in Lymington and St Saviour’s Church in Brockenhurst. The uplifting services included performances by local choirs and musicians, and a treasured moment to pause and reflect, remembering loved ones before the Christmas season.

“This Christmas we were delighted to add Light up a Life services in Beaulieu and Brockenhurst, responding to suggestions made by our community in 2024”, said Jill West, Community and Events Manager.

“A special thank you to all the schools, singing groups, musicians, performers, volunteers and speakers who gave up their time to make these services so memorable. Thank you also to the Light up a Life sponsors - Cinnamon Care’s Hartwood House and Mornington Court, Tappers Funeral Directors, New Park Manor Hotel and SME HR Consulting - whose financial assistance helped us to cover some of the costs.

“This year our Light up a Life campaign shared experiences about the compassionate care that takes place all year round at Oakhaven, and how our specialist team give the space and time for local families to make precious memories at Christmas, making sure that every moment matters.

“Thank you to everyone in our precious community who joined us at the 2025 Light up a Life events and everyone who kindly supported our Christmas care campaign with a donation. In total, Light up a Life has raised just over £41,000 including a fabulous £5,600 in Gift Aid.”

Oakhaven’s hospice care is provided free of charge, both in the Hospice and in patients’ homes throughout the New Forest, Totton and the Waterside. All funds raised will help to fund Oakhaven’s day-to-day running costs, which last year amounted to £9 million, over £24,500 a day. With only 11% of funding covered by the NHS, Oakhaven relies on the generosity of its community’s donations, fundraising, gifts in wills and income from its charity shops and home care provider, Oakhaven Care Ltd, to cover the remaining 89% of costs.

Support Oakhaven Hospice today with a donation.