Stormy weather with gale force winds did not stop 1,000 people braving the elements to remember loved ones who spent their final days being cared for at a hospice.

Much of London was brought to a standstill by Storm Bert's high winds and lashing rain on November 24 .

But the adverse conditions didn’t prevent North London Hospice holding its annual ‘Light Up A Life’ service.

“This is a powerful reminder each year of how much stronger we are together,” hospice chief executive Declan Carroll said. “It’s a time to celebrate and a time to reflect for the community. So many are by our side this year.”

Mr Carroll was joined by Southgate and Wood Green MP Bambos Charalambous and Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson, along with the Mayor of Haringey Sue Jameson, Mayor of Enfield Mohammad Islam, Mayor of Barnet Tony Vorou and London Assembly member Anne Clarke.

“Our care services are free — but cost £16 million a year to fund,” Mr Carroll reminded them. “Most of our funding comes from donations, something we never take for granted.”

Relatives and mourners who turned up raised £30,000 towards support for patients needing end-of-life care. Among those fundraising was BBC news reporter Hugh Pym and his wife.

‘Light Up A Life’ is a chance for people to remember someone they have lost.

Dedications are written and a short service of reflection is held at the hospice in Woodside Avenue in North Finchley with music and readings.

A minute’s silence is held as everyone lights a candle before a giant tree comes to life with hundreds of lights, each one dedicated to someone special.

Guest speakers included Gillian Naylor, who recalled her brother’s care at the hospice, as well as London Islamic Cultural Society president Bibi Khan and Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue rabbi Tanya Sakhnovich.

Hospice spiritual care co-ordinator Simon Rowbory and medical director Dr Sam Edward spoke about care by staff and volunteers who had “put so much into making the event memorable” in the face of the stormy weather.

Music was performed by the London Youth Concert Band and the R Voices choir.

The hospice annual fundraising remembrance went ahead despite storm warnings, to achieve “the best of life at the end of life” for everyone.