Hospital to hold memorial service to remember loved ones

Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals NHS Trust are once again holding a memorial service next month for anyone wishing to remember a loved one. Last year about 200 people gathered for this significant and moving event.

The service will be held at Cornerstone Methodist Church, formerly Marshside Road Methodist Church, Southport, at 10.30am on Sunday 3 November.

Anybody wishing to remember a loved one is welcome to attend.

The service will be led by the Rev Martin Abrams and the Rev Jan Fraser from the Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Service at the Trust.

Dr Karen Groves, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, will also be taking part.

Rev Abrams said: “There are many ways people like to remember loved ones. This is a warm invitation to come along for anyone who would wish to do so in the context of a church service. We hope the time together will be gentle, supportive and encouraging.

“We make the service as accessible as we can and get very positive feedback from both religious and non-religious people who come along. Anyone who would find it helpful is welcome to attend.

“There will be different ways of remembering, including the opportunity to light a candle or place a flower of remembrance, and record the name of someone special on the tree of remembrance.

“Once again we are privileged that Dr Karen Groves will be taking part in the service and reflecting on her vast experience in palliative care and bereavement support.”

After the service, there will be time for reflection, conversation and refreshments. Find the church near the corner of Marshside Road and Cambridge Road (PR9 9TL). For more information, contact the Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Service on 01704 704639 or email soh-tr.chaplains@nhs.net

The chaplaincy service will also hold a baby remembrance service at Ormskirk hospital at 6pm for 6.30pm on Wednesday 4 December. More details will be published nearer the time.