The actress welcomed more than 500 people to North London Hospice for the hospice’s annual Light Up A Life ceremony, held each year in late November.
Bambos Charalambous, MP for Southgate and Wood Green, Dan Tomlinson, MP for Chipping Barnet, and other dignitaries including the Mayor of Camden, councillors from Islington, and the Mayor of Barnet joined the crowds in remembering loved ones who were cared for by the hospice.
Michelle Collins, who is an ambassador for the hospice, said: “It was an honour to host Light Up A Life as an ambassador for the hospice this year.
“It is a deeply moving and special event that was as personal and meaningful to me as for the huge crowd who all came out to show their support.
“We were all there for one another and for everyone at the hospice who gave such tender care to our loved ones.
“Seeing the dedicated lights shining in memory is a beautiful way for both our love and hospice care to live on.”
The ceremony included written dedications, reflections, music, and readings, culminating in the lighting of the hospice’s tree—each one dedicated to someone special.
Declan Carroll, chief executive of North London Hospice, said: “Every year our Light Up A Life event is a powerful reminder of how much stronger we all are together.
“A time to celebrate and a time to reflect, it’s also a time for community and we were touched to be united with so many of you this year.”
Guest speakers included Bal Sandhu, who spoke about her son Jake’s experience at the hospice, and Carmel Cully, who shared memories of her brother Pat.
Faith leaders and the hospice’s spiritual care coordinator offered words of comfort, while music was provided by the London Youth Concert Band and the Covenant City Church Choir.
The event and associated appeal raised nearly £30,000 for the hospice, which relies on community support to cover its over £16.3 million annual running costs.
