An emotional night at The Barn

Over 50 people took the opportunity to come together and remember loved ones.

Poems were read by ambassador Louise Hunt-Skelley, critical care paramedic Keith Mills and supporter Dianne Smith, supporting by stunning music from Wiltshire-based duo The Decibelles.

The names and images of loved ones were shared on screen, and everybody had the opportunity to leave a message on the Christmas tree. This allowed them a moment to reflect on special memories and share this time together with others understanding their grief.

In Memory manager Katy Burke said: "I feel very honoured our supporters trust us with the memory of their loved ones.

“It is something so personal and special and I feel very lucky to be able to help keep memories and feelings flying."

Below are a few comments from those in attendance.

“I just wanted to say how wonderful and moving I thought the service was, thank you to you and the team for organising it. I’d told myself I wasn’t going to cry this year but when Louise started reading her poem, I couldn’t stop myself! It’s so important for us all to have a safe space we can be vulnerable in, thank you for providing this for us.”

“I just wanted to say a big thank you to all the team at Wiltshire Air Ambulance for putting on such a lovely In Celebration of Life service for our loved ones. You all put such a lot of thought into it. The charity is remarkable and the aircrew deserve a big pat on the back for the work they do, on many occasions, saving lives.”

The next In Memory event, Steps to Remember, takes place on Sunday 7 April 2024 at the charity’s airbase in Semington. The four-mile sponsored walk takes in the Avon & Kennet Canal path, past the Semington aqueduct and through Giles’ Woods on the outskirts of Bowerhill and Seend Cleeve, before returning to base.