Families who have lost loved ones can light candles in their memory at a special service in Kingston.

Marie Curie Cancer Care is inviting people to dedicate a lantern in memory of a loved one, family member or friend at the Lights to Remember event.

Visitors will have time for reflection at the ceremony at the United Reformed Church, in Eden Street, Kingston, which will also feature readings, music, mulled wine and mince pies.

Kingston fundraiser Henry Gillard, 85, said he has supported the charity since his wife died several years ago.

He said: “We had enormous support from others and tremendous support from Marie Curie itself.

“People are very generous and one doesn’t expect it in these hard times. It’s great fun and a very important charity and we are very lucky, the support as a community is great.”

The Kingston fundraising group organise the annual event and last year raised £13,519 which went towards the £26,183 Marie Curie spent on nursing in Kingston.

Marie Curie fundraiser Richard Longhurst, 76, does a reading at the service each year.

He said: “They are always the highlight of every year, but there was an occasion three years ago when I had a donation of £50 that did astonish me.

“I do think the December service is lovely, all these people have lost somebody they all have the same reason to be there.

“It’s a very gentle ceremony. To me that is the highlight of Christmas these days, I absolutely love it.”

Marie Curie Nurses provide specialist nursing care and emotional support to patients and families at the end of their lives, often making it possible for people to live their last days at home rather than go into a hospital. The nursing support is free for patients and their families and by sponsoring a light or donating the care will continue to be provided in the local community.

Fiona Porter, 66, is one of the founding members of the Kingston Marie Curie fundraising group, which started six years ago.

She said: “The main idea is for people who have lost someone through cancer and who have been helped by Marie Curie as a sort of remembrance service really, a celebration of their lives and for them to remember them. It’s a cause very close to our hearts.”

This year’s service will be held on Saturday, December 3, at 5pm.

For more details call 020 7559 7338 or visit mariecurie.org.uk.