Families and friends came together to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have died at a special carol concert organised by The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice. The service was conducted at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow as part of the hospice’s annual Light Up a Life celebrations and was kindly sponsored by EDF Energy.

This year, the Light up a Life campaign is supported by the MacArthur family whose daughter, sister, niece and cousin, Gabrielle, was cared for in the hospice during March 2022. Mum Diana, brother Harris, uncle Iain and all close family attended the service at St Andrew’s on 4 December.

Speaking about the hospice, Iain said: “When Gabrielle became too poorly to come home, the hospice became our home.”

“It has been our place of sanctuary in the darkest of times, it is an oasis of absolute calm in the heart of Glasgow.”

The service was conducted by Reverend Gus Macauley with BBC Scotland presenter, Judith Ralston hosting. The uplifting carol service was performed by the Westerton Male Voice Choir.

Almost 400 people turned out for the service with some watching online.

“We gather every year to celebrate the lives of loved ones, it’s such a meaningful and important thing for people to be able to do,” said Rhona Baillie, Chief Executive of the hospice.

“We know how much people value the occasion of coming together in shared remembrance and celebration. It is such a moving experience to be here and provide comfort to those who have lost a loved one.

I’d also like to pay special tribute to the MacArthur family for all their support during our campaign this year. It is truly heartbreaking to lose a loved one and we hope we can offer our support to all who need it.”

Glasgow’s Hospice provides free specialist care to 1,200 new patients with terminal and life-limiting illnesses and their families each year both at the hospice at Bellahouston Park and in patient’s own homes.