The first look at the Tree of Life which will be situated in uphill Lincoln

Representatives from St Barnabas Hospice have visited Doddington Hall & Gardens to select this year’s Tree of Life.

On Wednesday 23^rd October, representatives from St Barnabas Hospice met at Doddington Hall & Gardens for the annual selection of the Tree of Life, which will be visible in Uphill Lincoln over the Christmas period.

Once again, Doddington Hall & Gardens have very kindly donated the tree to the Hospice, enabling people from across Lincolnshire to come and remember their loved ones at such a difficult time of year. Whether loved ones have been cared for by the Hospice or not, St Barnabas is inviting people to dedicate a light on the Tree of Life in their memory. Members of the public will then be invited to visit the Tree to see their light shine brightly and there will also be other Trees of Life across the county for those who can’t get to Lincoln.

On Tuesday 26^th November, St Barnabas will be hosting their annual Torchlight Procession in Uphill Lincoln. Beginning at 7.30pm from Clayton’s Sports Ground, the route will see people walking past the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit carrying flaming torches in memory of their loved ones, before continuing through Lincoln’s iconic Bailgate. Due to the works currently taking place at Lincoln Cathedral, the route will finish at The Lincoln Hotel, which is where the Tree of Life will stand this Christmas.

Once the Procession, readings and music have finished at The Lincoln Hotel, staff at the Lincoln Cathedral will be officially switching on their new lights. The lights will turn blue and yellow to honour St Barnabas and will be visible to those gathered around the Tree.

Louise Cotton, Events Fundraiser at St Barnabas Hospice, said:

“On behalf of the Hospice, I’d like to say a huge thank you to three incredible businesses at the heart of the community for coming together in support of St Barnabas. We are extremely grateful to Doddington Hall & Gardens, The Lincoln Hotel and Lincoln Cathedral for helping to make this year’s Torchlight Procession one to remember.

“The Tree of Life is an integral part of both the Torchlight Procession and our overall Light up a Life campaign, as it brings the community together in remembering loved ones at such a difficult time of year. Doddington Hall & Gardens’ commitment to our annual Light up a Life campaign is truly inspiring, and Lincoln simply would not look the same at Christmas without them.”

Members of the public who wish to dedicate a light on the Tree of Life can do so at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/lual. The Hospice is also asking those planning to come to the Torchlight Procession to register their attendance at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/torchlight19.

Pictured are Caroline Swindin (St Barnabas Hospice), Harry (Doddington Hall & Gardens) and Louise Cotton (St Barnabas Hospice) with the chosen tree.