St Catherine's Hospice is inviting the local community to join them online on Saturday 13 June at 11am for Memory Meadow - A virtual event dedicated to remembering someone special.
Rev Lisa Rainier, Chaplain and Lead for Spiritual Support at St Catherine's said, "This year, we find ourselves in very different and difficult circumstances. This means we can't gather together at Priory Park for Memory Meadow in the way we had hoped.
I know, too, that many of you will not have been able to do many of the things you might usually find solace in, like spending time with friends and family, or visiting a memorial or other special place.
Now, more than ever, it's important that we do all we can to support each other, and we want to help you come together with others in your community who are experiencing grief and loss.
Memory Meadow online will offer a similar experience to St Catherine's other remembrance events with specially chosen readings and music, and an opportunity to reflect. It's completely free to join, non-religious and suitable for all ages.
Lisa added, "I'll be conducting Memory Meadow through Facebook Live and on our St Catherine's website so you can easily take part from home. I'd encourage you to take full advantage of this. Take the time and space to join us in whatever way brings you most comfort.
You might want to sit in your garden, if you have one, or look at the view from a window; perhaps with a slice of your loved one's favourite cake. You might want to have some flowers or a photograph or keepsake where you can see them. Maybe you'd like to light a candle, and snuggle up with a cup of tea? You can even follow online in your pyjamas. If there's someone you'd like to watch Memory Meadow with why not ask them to join you too? Friends and family can join by following the event online, even if they're not in your household.
If you can't make Saturday 13 June, you'll be able to watch Memory Meadow later on our hospice website. I hope you'll join me for the live event if you can, because gathering together is one of the things that makes Memory Meadow feel so special.
Not being able to be with the ones we love has more resonance than ever at a time like this. I'm really looking forward to sharing this special time of reflection with you and hope you'll join me on 13 June." To join St Catherine's Hospice Memory Meadow please visit the St Catherine's Hospice, Crawley Facebook page on Saturday 13 June at 11am, or log onto: https://www.stch.org.uk/support-us/events-calendar/memory-meadow-online/ - The video will be available here afterwards too.