PEOPLE in Chester are being warmly invited by a national charity to attend a prayer service for those affected by cancer next month.

‘Pause for Hope’ promotes ecumenical prayer throughout the UK and Ireland – announcing that an event will take place at 3pm on Sunday, June 16 at St Columba’s Church in Plas Newton.

It will be seven years since the first Pause for Hope service was held in Chester.

According to statistics, every two minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer.

During the service, all those attending will have the opportunity to light a candle for loved ones as an act of remembrance, or solidarity for others currently coping with cancer.

Chester resident Dr Marion Needham has recently been appointed as a trustee for the charity.

Speaking at the service will be Lynne Moorhead from the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, and musical accompaniment by St Joseph’s Choir.

The charity, set up by Professor Ray Donnelly MBE in 1999, sought to identify a need for a prayer service initiative.

For their recent 20-year anniversary at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, 400 people were in attendance.

Patients, carers and family members of any faith or none, are all welcome, and no tickets are required.

  • For more information on Pause for Hope and its services, go to www.pauseforhope.org.uk.