Scottish Huntington’s Association charity partner Westerleigh Group is opening the chapel doors at its crematoria to bring families and friends together to celebrate Mothering Sunday on 27 March.
For those unable to attend in person, or who may still be apprehensive because of the pandemic, a specially-recorded Service of Remembrance will be available to view on YouTube, with details available on the website and Facebook page of each crematorium.
Westerleigh Group is the UK’s largest owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 36 sites in Scotland, England and Wales, all set within landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.
The Service of Remembrance is being recorded in advance for screening and streaming on Mothering Sunday. It is expected to last around 45 minutes and will include readings, music and poems.
Many of Westerleigh Group’s crematoria are inviting families into their chapels on Mother’s Day to watch the special service there.
Debbie Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Westerleigh Group, said: “Mother’s Day can be a particularly poignant time for those who have lost their mum or cannot be together on this day.
“Due to the exceptional circumstances families have endured as result of the pandemic, and lockdown restrictions, this year we wanted to open up our chapels on Mother’s Day, in order to give families an opportunity to gather and remember their mum or mother figure while visiting our beautiful sites.
“Some people will find it a great comfort to be able to come to our tranquil crematoria and watch the specially-recorded service in the company of others, or have a quiet moment of reflection in our chapels.
“But those who are not able, or who do not wish, to attend in person will not miss out, and can view the service online via YouTube, so that they can still honour their lost loved ones in a special way.”
The service will be provided in partnership with Scottish Huntington’s Association and Huntington’s Disease Association as Westerleigh Group’s corporate charities of the year.
They provide care and support services for people with Huntington’s disease, educate families and professionals and champion people’s rights. You can support their work by donating at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/WesterleighGroupScotland
SHA Chief Executive, Alistair Haw
Alistair Haw, Chief Executive of Scottish Huntington’s Association, said: “We thank our friends in Westerleigh Group for their continued support of the Huntington’s disease community in Scotland. Families whose lives are impacted by this incurable and hereditary condition are often overlooked because it is a rare disease that is not widely known about or well understood by the wider public.”
“We look forward to being part of the Mother’s Day Remembrance Service and hope as many people as possible from the HD community and beyond, in person or virtually, will find some comfort in joining us.”
For details of what is happening at your nearest Westerleigh crematorium, or how to view the service of remembrance on the Group’s YouTube channel, visit the Events section of your local Westerleigh crematorium.