First ever Light up the Lake event hailed a huge success

First ever Light up the Lake event hailed a huge success

Manvers Lake was the scene of a stunning spectacle over the weekend as hundreds of candle-lit lanterns were cast onto the water under the setting sun for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice’s first ever Light up the Lake event.

Hundreds of people gathered at the water’s edge to reflect, remember and celebrate loved ones as the lanterns – each with a personalised dedication – were floated out onto the lake.

As the sun set gently over the horizon on what was a warm and clear September’s evening, several rafts carried the lanterns onto the picturesque Wath-upon-Dearne lake as the crowds held tea lights aloft. The lanterns were then carefully collected by the charity’s team to make sure there was no damage to the environment.

Those who attended were full of praise for the charity’s inaugural Light up the Lake event on social media, with many describing it as “beautiful”, “emotional” and “moving”.

Jody and Ben Wigfull-Coy dedicated their light to their baby girl Beau Matilda who died in 2018. The couple have been supported by Bluebell Wood ever since and were joined by their extended family for the evening.

“For us it was the perfect opportunity to be with the people we care about and remember Beau in such a beautiful and unique way,” said Jody, from Sheffield.

“It was a stunning evening and unlike anything I’ve ever been to before. It was lovely to see so many people, of all ages, remembering and celebrating others in a moving and poignant ceremony.

“The team at Bluebell Wood have come up with something very special, and we’d like to thank everyone who made it possible.”

Light up the Lake will be returning in 2022, with details to be announced in due course. For all those who missed out on the opportunity to remember and celebrate loved ones this year, Bluebell Wood will soon be launching its ‘Twinkle, twinkle’ winter appeal.

Beth Cole, Events Fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “It was an honour to be able to bring so many people to together for what was a moving and beautiful ceremony.

“It’s been a very challenging 18 months for us a charity with the vast majority of our fundraising events cancelled so it really was wonderful to be back out there meeting our supporters in the community.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to all those who supported the event, volunteered on the day, to the brilliant team at Manvers Lake for hosting us and to Utilita Energy Hub for kindly sponsoring the event.

“You’ve helped us create something truly special while raising much-needed funds for the families who need us at the same time.”