Memorial parade lights up city's streets

Thousands of people have taken part in a torchlit procession through the streets of Lincoln

A torchlit memorial parade has travelled through Lincoln ending with a memorial at the cathedral.

St Barnabas Hospice's Light Up a Life appeal set off from the Clayton Sports Ground at 19:30 GMT with thousands taking part.

The appeal, in its 24th year, offered people a chance to remember a loved one by dedicating a light in their name.

The walk filed past the Hospice on Nettleham Road to Lincoln Cathedral, where a tree of life was illuminated.

The parade finished at Lincoln Cathedral where a tree of life was illuminated in a poignant ceremony

Suzanne Sheppard dedicated a light to her sister, Caroline, who died in 2023.

"Caroline’s cancer diagnosis turned our lives upside down. At the time she had only been married a couple of months," Ms Sheppard said.

Her sister was admitted to St Barnabas in June 2023, but her condition did not improve and she died on 3 July the same year.

“On the morning Caroline died, the inpatient staff gave us the time and space we needed to be with her and gather our thoughts.

“They lit a candle for her and another lady who had passed, and I found such comfort from that alone," Ms Sheppard added.

Ms Sheppard attended the event with her mother last year.

"It was such a memorable event, and we found peace in sharing the experience with others who had lost a loved one."

Suzanne Sheppard (middle) has dedicated a light to her sister, Caroline (right), who died in 2023

The appeal raises money for the hospice through donations for memorial tags on the tree of life.

The procession was be led by the RAF Waddington Pipe Band and finished at Lincoln Cathedral, where the tree was illuminated.

Caroline Swindin, head of fundraising and lottery for the hospice, said: "It's incredible. It's very poignant and a lovely way for people to come together and remember loved ones."

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