Friends of ANCHOR launches new platform for families to celebrate the lives of loved ones
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Families and friends will be able to create online tributes to loved ones through a new platform set up by Friends of ANCHOR.
The local cancer and haematology charity launched the Celebrating Life section on its website as a place for uplifting tributes, photos, memories and personal messages to be shared, in memory of ANCHOR Unit patients or supporters of the charity.
While the initiative has been spurred on by the restrictions currently placed on funerals, the organisation hopes its benefits will be felt long after the pandemic.
Charity director Sarah-Jane Hogg said: “For many people, sharing stories, photos and tributes is a powerful way of honouring a loved one’s memory and celebrating the significant part they played in so many peoples’ lives.
“We see it often in the number of heartfelt messages that accompany donations made to the charity in memory of a loved one.
"Now, at a family’s request, to be able to offer a dedicated space where extended family and friends can share these kind words publicly will bring an extra layer of support and comfort for those grieving with the family.
“Funerals and funeral teas usually provide that safe space for people to come together to share fond memories and tales, but with the current restrictions, it’s been harder for people to spend that important time together and pay their respects in the usual way.
“Our hope is that this new provision, which may well remain in place long after the pandemic is over, will bring a small measure of comfort to those who have lost someone dear to them, whether they were a patient within the ANCHOR Unit or a passionate advocate of the
charity.”
The new platform offers a place to publish photographs and a written tribute or eulogy, as well as additions like newspaper cuttings.
Each tribute also gives family, friends and colleagues the opportunity to share their own messages or fond memories which will appear alongside.
Each tribute, with any messages, memories or condolences, will be immortalised in the form of a physical keepsake gifted to the family from the charity.
To enquire about creating a personalised tribute to an ANCHOR Unit patient or Friends of ANCHOR supporter who has passed away, you can e-mail: erica.banks@friendsofanchor.org.
