An annual service helping families across the region is returning next month, once again sharing the message of "hope".
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.
Read more: 'My family live in fear and all I can do is talk'
The ‘First’ service was held in St Francis Xavier’s Church in 1999, launched by Professor Ray Donnelly, founder and president of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. The service proved popular and was held the following year at the Metropolitan Cathedral, and every year since then it has been held in either the Catholic or Anglican Cathedrals.
Professor Donnelly told the ECHO the service has grown from strength to strength since it started and there is a "real need" for it. Not only does it provide vital support, but the moving service gives attendees a chance to pray for themselves and their loved ones, each other, and the scientists looking for a cure.
It brings together people going through very similar experiences and shines a positive light, spreading the message of hope for those who need it. But attendees also have the chance to submit their own poems or messages of hope, one of which will be chosen to read out on the day.
On the reasoning behind the powerful service, Professor Donnelly said: "At least one in three people nowadays will develop some kind of cancer. Many will be cured but some common forms of cancer still carry a high mortality."
He added: "The purpose of Pause for Hope is to help people affected in any way by cancer, or in its management and care, to pray more and, if possible, to come together in prayer to find hope and mutual support in prayer, to pray for themselves, their carers, the doctors and nurses and others looking after them, for those with responsibility for providing and managing resources for cancer and for the scientists researching the cure to cancer."
The ECHO is inviting 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.
READ NEXT:
The sleepy north Liverpool road with hidden history
83 tributes, death and funeral notices from across Merseyside
Body of man found in dock finally identified
