A SPECIAL service held in Tavistock for people who lost a loved one during the past year helped raise nearly £1,300 for a local children?s charity. The service was held at St Eustachius Church. S J Backwell Funeral Services realised the first Christmas after losing someone could often be the hardest time for the bereaved and decided to do something to let people know they were not on their own. The remembrance service was organised with the assistance of Preb John Rawlings. The response was excellent, with more than 150 people attending. A spokesperson said a few tears were shed as loved ones were remembered, and with the feeling of warmth, the kind words and prayers and singing of the choir, those who attended described it as a remarkable and moving occasion. A retiring collection helped raise nearly £1,300 for Give-A-Child-A-Chance. Darren Young, funeral director at S J Backwell, said it was the first time they had organised anything like this, but they felt it was ?the right thing to do?. ?Any doubts or worries we might have had disappeared as soon as the replies came in and we were delighted by the number of people who joined us for what was a very moving and positive event. ?We were amazed by the generosity of our local community who joined us, and delighted to discover that, along with colleague funeral directors in Callington and Plymouth, they had helped raise such a sum for a wonderful cause. The true spirit of Christmas was very much evident.? Mr Young thanked everyone involved in the service, both organising and supporting, and everyone who attended.
