Hundreds attend Bluebell Wood’s Light Up The Lake

This was the Bluebell Wood’s third Light Up The Lake event, in which personalised lanterns are floated onto the water in tribute.

Stephanie Mulhearn attended the event in remembrance of her son, Alex, who passed away last year aged four.

She said: “It’s our second year at Light up the Lake and we’re here to remember Alex and all those who have sadly passed away.

“It means an awful lot to be here and it’s so incredible. You feel an emotion you just can’t describe.”

Bluebell Wood thanked everyone who dedicated a lantern, the rafts holding which were brought ashore at the end of the event to avoid damage to the environment.

Beth Cole, events fundraiser at the North Anston children’s hospice, said: “We were so touched to see everyone come together to pay tribute to those they have lost, and celebrate the loved ones they treasure. Looking out over the lake and seeing the lanterns float out on the water was very special.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make our 2023 Light up the Lake so special, including the wonderful team at Manvers Lake for hosting us once again and all the volunteers who helped. We are also very grateful to The Voice Academy Performance Choir who sang so beautifully during the evening.

“Finally, thank you so much to those who dedicated a lantern this year. With your help, we have raised much-needed funds for families who need us.”