An annual service spreading the message of "hope" is returning next week as the ECHO makes a final call for your submissions.
Readers may be familiar with the yearly Pause for Hope service, which has been running since 1999, providing support to those affected by cancer. The ECHO is again proud to support this service, which will be held on October 2 at the Metropolitan Cathedral.
We previously invited you to send your poems or 'Messages of Hope' directly to pauseforhope@gmail.com. One message will then be chosen and will feature in the ECHO. The author will also be invited to read their message out at the service.
The ECHO previously reported how Professor Ray Donnelly, who founded the UK's only lung cancer charity - the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation - spoke out about there being a "real need" for the service. He said: "Nurses and doctors are an important source of informed and emotional support.
"It is at this time that many people, not just patients but families as well, will turn to God even if they have not done so for many years. They may ask God why he has allowed this to happen to them and may possibly feel bitter, although the fact of asking is a prayer in itself."
With the powerful service being held next month, anyone wishing to submit their poem or message of hope is being asked to do so by the end of next week.
Why Pause for Hope?
Back in 1999 when the first Pause for Hope service was held at St Francis Xavier's Church, in Liverpool, no one anticipated it would grow into the success it is today. Professor Ray Donnelly spoke about how the service supports cancer sufferers across the region as well as their loved ones.
Working as a surgeon and seeing many people with cancer, he saw a "great need" for those impacted to turn to prayer for help. As a result of the moving service, it soon became an annual event where attendees not only get a sense of purpose but "a lot of hope".
Professor Ray Donnelly, who performed the world's first 'key-hole' surgery to remove lung cancer, added: "So much has happened. Even a ban on smoking in public spaces came from the efforts of the Roy Castle Foundation. People didn't understand at the time and we campaigned vigorously.
"A huge amount has been achieved for which we are very proud, and we are very grateful for the support of the ECHO over the years, giving Pause for Hope tremendous support which has made a huge difference in bringing people together."
A reminder that the service will be held on October 2 at the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and submissions can be made to pauseforhope@gmail.com.
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