Bluebell Wood to transform South Yorkshire lake with display of floating lights

19th May 2021

A picturesque South Yorkshire lake will be transformed by a stunning display of floating lights as people gather to celebrate and pay tribute to loved ones in a beautiful and poignant ceremony this summer.

A picturesque South Yorkshire lake will be transformed by a stunning display of floating lights as people gather to celebrate and pay tribute to loved ones in a beautiful and poignant ceremony this summer.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice’s brand new Light up the Lake appeal is offering people the chance to celebrate someone who’s brightened up their life by floating a candle-lit lantern in their name. 

You can make a dedication here www.bluebellwood.org/lake
Whether it’s paying tribute to those who are no longer with us, or celebrating those who’ve been a light in the darkness this past year, each lantern will join hundreds of others cast across the water in a mesmerising display under the setting sun.

Jody and Ben Wigfull-Coy, who said their heartbreaking final goodbyes to their baby girl when she was just two weeks old, will be dedicating their lantern to Beau Matilda.

Their ‘little miracle’ was small enough to fit in the palm of her dad’s hand when she arrived at just 23 weeks, and she battled for survival for two weeks before drawing her last breath in their arms.

“We were able to stay with Beau that night as they took her off life support,” said mum, Jody, from Sheffield.

“We both held her as she passed away. It was the first time we’d been able to hold her.”

The next few weeks were the darkest they’d ever faced, but they found a glimmer of light at Bluebell Wood through counselling and bereavement support groups.

“Bluebell Wood helped us to make sense of everything,” Jody added.
“We had all kinds of emotions going on and, without sounding too cliched, the hospice saved us.

“We’ve done things that we never thought we’d have to do. We registered Beau’s birth and death at the same appointment. We don’t have the same photos that other people have, the same memories.

“But we do have a daughter. Bluebell Wood have helped us put that together in our minds.”

The charity’s Light up the Lake event, where people can dedicate a lantern in return for a small donation to the charity, will take place on Saturday, July 17th  at Manvers Lake, Wath-upon-Dearne in line with the latest government guidance.

Samantha Wood, Head of Fundraising at Bluebell Wood, said: “It’s been one of the toughest year’s we’ve ever faced as a charity from a fundraising perspective, with so many of our events and campaigns cancelled because of the pandemic.

“And we know that the past year’s been incredibly challenging for everyone, with so many unable to be close to family and friends, or say goodbye to loved ones in the way they would have wanted.

“That’s why we’re very excited about our first ever Light up the Lake appeal which will be the perfect way to reflect and remember while celebrating and paying tribute to the special people in our lives.

“So please do join us for what promises to be a breathtaking and moving display as we Light up the Lake under the setting sun. Each and every donation to our appeal will help us support families like Beau’s through the darkest times they’ll ever face.”

Everything you need to know about Bluebell Wood’s Light up the Lake appeal can be found here www.bluebellwood.org/lake or by calling 01909 508 103.