A children’s hospice recently opened its doors to the community as it hosted its annual Light up a Life event.

Around 40 people joined staff at Richard House Children’s Hospice in Beckton on November 28 for the event which celebrated people special to the hospice through music and reflections.

Members of the local community, leaders from across different faiths, Richard House service users and councillors from the area were present. Attendees placed memory stars on a tree of light and lit candles.

As part of the hospice’s community engagement programme, local students from the Choir of Royal Docks Community School in Beckton performed a variety of songs. There were also readings from different texts.

Peter Ellis, Chief Executive at Richard House Children’s Hospice, said: “It was a special evening and it was great to welcome so many new faces to Richard House. There was a welcoming atmosphere and the Choir from the Royal Docks Community School gave the evening a beautiful voice to complement the readings.”