The family of an Ipswich mum and grandma will be among those gathering at a poignant service honouring lost loved ones later this month.
Suffolk Remembers returns and will see 5,000 candles displayed along Felixstowe seafront as hundreds of people gather to commemorate the family members and friends who are no longer with us.
Peter Girt attended last year's event for the first time with his son Matthew, daughter Claire, and grandchildren, after the death of his wife Sally.
Mrs Girt died from cancer at the age of 67 in February 2022.
The Ipswich man described the St Elizabeth Hospice event as "truly marvellous".
He said: "It was a very memorable and moving evening, which saw hospice supporters, the local community and families, like mine, gather to remember those we have loved, who are no longer with us, with the peaceful backdrop of Felixstowe seafront providing the perfect setting.
"Claire and Matthew carried the letter ‘R’, this had been sponsored by Ryder Davies Veterinary Practice where my daughter works as a nurse.
"I also had the privilege of being asked to carry the letter ‘L’, which coincidentally included the five candles we had dedicated to Sally, I felt very honoured. It was very poignant."
Mrs Girt came under the care of St Elizabeth Hospice in January 2022 after having been diagnosed by Ipswich Hospital with cancer of the kidney, which had then spread to her liver and lungs.
Her husband said: "From the time Sally received her diagnosis that her condition was incurable, the St Elizabeth Hospice team were brilliant.
READ MORE: 5,000 candles to be lit as Suffolk remembers lost loved ones
"Family was everything to Sally, and it was Sally’s wish to die at home with her family beside her, and the hospice team made sure she was able to have this granted.
"Without St Elizabeth Hospice, I don’t know what would have happened."
Suffolk Remembers will take place on June 21 from 9pm to 10pm, at Felixstowe Seafront Gardens, and will see live performances from Ipswich singer, Roma Manteiga-Nicholson, Pop Chorus choir, and Martlesham Brass as well as a number of poetry readings.
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