As the sun went down, bringing a close to Suffolk Day 2022, the words 'Suffolk Remembers' were illuminated along Felixstowe seafront, as the community gathered to celebrate and remember loved ones as part of Suffolk Remembers, hosted by St Elizabeth Hospice.

Every year Suffolk Remembers, sees 5,000 candles displayed along Felixstowe seafront as hundreds of people gather to remember their loved ones. This year was no different, as the community gathered to leave a candle dedication in the memory of those no longer with us, which together lit up the words 'Suffolk Remembers' on the longest day of the year, with all the letters sponsored by local businesses in support of the hospice.

Catherine Sheppard, Supporter Campaigns Fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "As ever Suffolk Remembers provided a very moving close to Suffolk Day, as hospice supporters and the local community gathered to remember those no longer with us, while stood along the beautiful Felixstowe seafront.

5,000 candles lit for 2022 (Picture credit: Foyers Photography)

She said: "We would like to thank everyone who made a candle dedication and donation to the hospice and to all the volunteers who generously gave their time to help make Suffolk Remembers possible, as well as the local businesses who kindly sponsored the individual letters of Suffolk Remembers.

"It truly is a unique and uplifting event which provides an important opportunity to reflect and celebrate the lives of friends and family who brightened up our lives and made Suffolk the county we know and love."

Sponsored by the East of England Co-op Funeral Services, Suffolk Remembers 2022 was open to everyone, regardless of their connection to St Elizabeth Hospice. Taking place between 9pm-10pm on 21st June, the event saw live performances from Ipswich singer, Roma Manteiga-Nicholson, Ipswich Hospital Community Choir and Martlesham Brass as well as a number of poetry readings.

All the Suffolk Remembers' candles will remain on the seafront until the morning of 24th June, so those unable to attend the memorial can still come to make their dedications and reflect throughout the week. 

Personal touch (Picture credit: Foyers Photography)

Mayor of Felixstowe, Sharon Harkin, added: "Suffolk Remembers is an important event for us to come together as a community to stop the clock, get off the phone and take the time to remember those who are no longer with us, but who left their mark on our lives and the county of Suffolk.

"Thank you to St Elizabeth Hospice for hosting Suffolk Remembers. The work they do in supporting 3,000 patients and their families every year across Suffolk is so vital and Suffolk Remembers provides an opportunity for us to stand with the hospice to celebrate the lives of loved ones and to show our support, for our local hospice."

St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent Suffolk charity providing free services to improve life for people living with a progressive or life limiting illness throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney. 

Centered on an individual's needs, the hospice provides specialist support, whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice.

To find out more about St Elizabeth Hospice call 01473 723600 or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk.