Leeds community unites for Sue Ryder’s annual Celebrate a Life event
More than 150 people from across the city gathered at Sue Ryder’s winter remembrance event this December to honour the lives of those who meant so much to them and reflect on the special memories they shared.
Sue Ryder Celebrate a Life Leeds, hosted by the palliative care and bereavement support charity, which runs Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley, was held at Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, on Sunday, December 7.
The afternoon featured a mix of uplifting music from Jasmine Caine and members of the Leeds Symphony Orchestra, poignant poems, and moments of quiet reflection. Attendees were also invited to write a personal dedication to someone close to their heart.
Laura Hill, from the Headingley Sue Ryder hospice, helped organise the event, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people come together- united by their experiences of death and grief - at this year’s Celebrate a Life event.
"As always, it was a truly special occasion featuring heart-warming performances and poems that made every moment meaningful.”
This year's event coincides with Grief Awareness Week (2-8 December), a time to raise awareness of the support available and to encourage open conversations about bereavement and grief. The theme, ‘Growing in Grief’, was poignantly reflected, with each attendee taking home a seeded heart to keep or plant in spring.
Laura added: “While we can’t stop terminal illness, death, and grief from happening, we can stop people from feeling alone.
"That’s why our Sue Ryder Celebrate a Life Leeds event is so important, offering a safe, warm, and supportive space for people to connect with others, bringing comfort to many. Thank you to everyone who made the event such a special occasion.”
For those who were unable to attend, you can still honour and celebrate the life of someone special by leaving a message on our Sue Ryder Dedication Wall
If you are grieving and need support, find out more about Sue Ryder bereavement support services, including: our Online Bereavement Community, and the Grief Guide by visiting: sueryder.org/FindSupport