Hundreds of lights shone out at North London Hospice last night as crowds gathered to remember their loved ones in a special ceremony.

Around 1,000 people gathered outside the hospice in Woodside Avenue, North Finchley, for this year’s Light up a Life ceremony.

A horse chestnut tree was lit up in the grounds, with each light having been sponsored in memory or celebration of someone special.

Chairman of the hospice’s trustees John Bryce said: “This is one of the most important and significant events of the year for us because its emphasis is on the patients and families who have been helped in a very direct way by the hospice.

“It involves people with shared experiences coming together. This is an occasion for remembrance – for the good times we have enjoyed, for love and companionship.”

During the event,  music was provided by the Salvation Army band and the choir from Finchley Catholic High School, who sang an arrangement of Take That’s Rule the World.

Penny Stokes, whose husband attended day services at the hospice, said: “Hospices offer so much more than end-of-life care, giving both joy and comfort to so many people that have a debilitating illness.

“I can’t thank North London Hospice enough for all the amazing work they do and the difference they make to people’s lives.”

This year, the Light up a Life appeal has raised more than £100,000 which will go towards helping people in Barnet, Enfield and Haringey who are living with a terminal illness.

The tree will be lit up every evening until early January and lights can still be sponsored by calling the hospice on 020 8446 2288 or visit www.northlondonhospice.org