Poignant tribute to dad as family lights first candle at NI Hospice's annual service
Tribute was paid to a much-missed husband and father as his family lit the first candle at the Northern Ireland Hospice’s annual Lights to Remember service.
Alongside senior staff nurse Jenny Donnan MBE, Sarah Hall and her young children, Ethan and Jessica, lit the first candle of remembrance in loving memory of all dearly departed family members and to support those who are grieving.
Sarah’s beloved husband Stuart passed away in NI Hospice in October 2022 aged 33 following a brain tumour diagnosis.
The poignant event was held at Dominican College, Fortwilliam, where attendees gathered to remember and celebrate the lives of lost loved ones.
School principal Lynda Catney gave the welcome with NI Hospice president Paul Clark MBE as master of ceremonies. The event included music and carols by Third Carrick Band, the Dominican College Fortwilliam Choir and the Hospice’s Ukulele Band.
Reflections, readings and prayers were from Roisin McSorley, NI Children’s Hospice’s specialty senior healthcare assistant; Trevor McCartney, chief executive; Gillian Clarke, Adults Hospice doctor and Jackie Whyte, the hospice’s chaplain.
In his welcome Mr McCartney said: “Each year, this special gathering brings families from across Northern Ireland together to honour loved ones who are no longer with us. What began as a small event within our hospice community has grown into a meaningful tradition that offers comfort, connection and hope to all who are grieving.
“As a local charity caring for babies, children and adults with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses, we provide specialist support in our In-Patient Units at Somerton Road and Horizon House, as well as in homes and communities across Northern Ireland.
"It is your generosity that helps us continue to walk alongside families through illness, loss and bereavement, wherever and whenever they need us.”
After the service, there was a candle-light procession to Somerton House, the Adult In-Patient Unit on Belfast’s Somerton Road, where the hospice Christmas tree lights were officially switched on by Sarah, Ethan and Jessica Hall alongside Paul Clark.
The Ballyduff Silver Band performed ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ before NI Children’s Hospice chaplain Corrina Heron lead the Act of Remembrance and Benediction followed by all those gathered joining in a chorus of ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’.
For those who could not attend, an online version of the service is available to view via NI Hospice’s YouTube channel.
It is still possible to dedicate a light to a loved one online on hospice’s virtual Christmas tree, where a personal message or memory can be shared and a photo uploaded. To dedicate your light, or to find out more about the virtual Hospice Lights to Remember Service online, visit nihospice.org/lights
Northern Ireland Hospice provides specialist palliative care for over 4,000 babies, children and adults every year. £19.5m was required to deliver the charity’s services in 2024/25. Energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis have increased the cost of other essentials such as clinical supplies, housekeeping supplies, catering as well as insurance and security. The majority of its funding comes from the generosity and kindness of the community