HUNDREDS of people flocked to Worcester Cathedral to remember lost loved ones in a service as part of the annual St Richard's Hospice Lights of Love Appeal.

About 700 people packed the Cathedral for the service on Friday evening, which opened with a welcome from Canon in Residence Alvyn Petersen.

Holding candles aloft in memory of their loved ones, the gathering joined in several hymns.

The congregation then made its way to the hospice Christmas tree in nearby St Andrew's Spire, Deansway, where Roger Blackburn, aged 52, of Holt Heath, switched on the lights.

Mr Blackburn's wife, Stella, was a patient at the Rose Hill hospice and died, aged 48, of cancer, in August.

He said: "It must be the most emotional prize draw I've won to get to switch on the lights.

"It's quite an emotional occasion for me because it's not long since she died but I know by pressing that button it's not just strengthening my memories but those of everyone else who's lost someone. I had tremendous support from the hospice and my wife did too, both during the time when she entered as a day patient and also following up with equipment to help her mobility issues."

Hospice fund-raising manager Tricia Cavell said more than 550 people had already made a donation to the hospice and dedicated a light in memory of a loved one, raising more than £11,500.

"This event is important to the families who've lost loved ones because it provides an opportunity to come and celebrate their lives and join with others who've had similar experiences," she said.

People can still dedicate a light up until Wednesday, December 21, by going into any of the hospice shops or by calling 01905 763963.

Each chosen name will be displayed in the Book of Thanksgiving in Worcester Cathedral and on the board surrounding the tree.

There will be a further dedication and 'switch on' at Victoria Square, Droitwich, on Thursday, December 1, at 5.30pm and service of Lights of Love and Life jointly held with St Michael's Hospice at Malvern Priory on Thursday, December 15.

STELLA'S STORY

ROGER Blackburn's wife Stella, who was manager of West Mercia Police's traffic department at Hindlip Hall for 26 years, was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago.

The 48-year-old mother-of-one received chemotherapy and went back to work but the cancer returned in her leg in 2003.

She had to have more radiotherapy and again went back to work but the cancer returned in her brain in July 2004.

At this point, she entered St Richard's Hospice as a day patient but, unfortunately, lost her battle against cancer at the end of August.

Mr Blackburn, of Holt Heath, said: "It was a remarkable, rounded service they provided."