A SPECIAL event will be held by Macmillan Cancer Support to encourage people to reflect on lost ones over the Christmas period.

The charity is inviting guests to join them at their Frenchay Tree of Hope event on Monday, December 8 to be treated to live music, mince pies and mulled wine while reflecting on lost loved ones.

The Bristol Voices Community Choir will be joined by Macmillan staff from the new NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre at Southmead Hospital to sing at the event.

Guests will gather around the Christmas tree outside as it is illuminated by the newly appointed Council Chair Howard Gawler.

Everyone will then be invited to tie a ribbon to the tree, and take one home for their own tree in memory of those dear to them.

Local Macmillan Cancer Support fundraising manager, Alice Young said: “This promises to be a very special event for the whole family where guests can enjoy beautiful choral music and remember the people they have loved and lost”.

“Macmillan has really invested in our community this year with the opening of the NGS Wellbeing Centre at Southmead Hospital. Macmillan Cancer Support would not be able to fund centres for people affected by cancer without the generosity of the public.

“The Tree of Hope is an opportunity for the community to come together and remember loved ones amongst our wonderful Macmillan volunteers and staff.”

The event will start at 6.30pm at the St John the Baptist Church, with donations going towards the charity that supports people diagnosed with cancer, from financial worries to emotional support.

Guests will enjoy mince pies and mulled wine at the church to end the evening.

The tree will be displayed outside the church until the New Year for the community to visit.

To make a donation to the Frenchay Tree of Hope and receive a pair of Macmillan ribbons call contact 0300 1000 200 or email: fundraising@macmillan.org.uk.