GRIEVING parents who have lost a child are to be given the chance to mourn together at a new memorial service.

A Candle Service - the first in the area -with the theme "The Bond of Love", will give bereaved families the chance to reflect and remember alongside others who have suffered the same sadness.

A candle will be lit in remembrance of each child who has died.

The service, organised by a team who work with grieving parents, will take place at Christ Church, Ince Green Lane, Ince, on Thursday, October 21, at 7pm.

It will be non-denominational and will be led by Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust hospital chaplains, Ray Hutchinson and Norman Prescott.

They said: "Our words and music will include contemporary songs and reflections written by people who have themselves suffered this type of bereavement, as well as prayers and hymns."

One of the organisers, Margaret McGladdery, a Trust bereavement counsellor, said one of the aims of the service is to help people feel less alone.

She said: "Loneliness in grief is a great problem and we hope that people will feel a sense of togetherness and support.

"We will also ensure that representatives of support groups are available immediately after the service so that further help and guidance can be arranged if needed."

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