MY name is Joanna and I am head of clinical services at Sue Ryder Manorlands hospice in Oxenhope.

I have worked at the hospice for 35 years, but I also have a personal connection to Manorlands as it was where my father died nine years ago.

I am writing to invite you to a special winter remembrance event, Sue Ryder Celebrate a Life Aire Valley, where you can come together with people who have also experienced loss and take some time to remember your loved one.

Celebrate a Life, previously known as Lights of Love, is a really unique event unlike anything I have been to before. I have both volunteered and attended in the past, and for me the most special part is the feeling of everyone coming together for one common reason. Although you don’t know everyone, you feel a sense of connection.

Celebrate a Life is about taking time to celebrate the person who died and the relationship you had with them. It doesn’t matter if you have a connection to Sue Ryder or not, everyone is welcome to join us. It can be a bit upsetting, but it is also really comforting to know you aren’t alone in your grief and there are other people who understand and can relate to what you are going through.

If you are considering coming to Celebrate a Life this year, I would say there is no ‘right’ time to join. You know when your right time is, and if you want to spend some time reflecting and celebrating your loved one in your way, then please join us. You will be surprised at how uplifting the evening is.

If you would like to join Celebrate a Life Aire Valley, it takes place at East Riddlesden Hall on Wednesday, December 6, at 6.30pm. Due to capacity of the venue, limited spaces are available.

For more information and to register to attend, visit sueryder.org/aire or contact the Sue Ryder Manorlands hospice fundraising team via email on manorlands.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 01535 640430.

Many thanks.

Joanna Longden, Haworth