Lake of Lights event in Buxton to remember loved ones 'absolutely beautiful'

Visitors to the Lake of Lights event - held at Pavilion Gardens raising money for the Thomas Theyer foundation - were able to sponsor an LED light in memory of a lost loved one.

It was held as part of an ongoing campaign to fund a £250,000 lodge at White Hall Outdoor Centre for children with special needs - in memory of Thomas Theyer, 18, who died after a fall while out running in 2014.

During the ‘moving’ night 45 trays with 750 lights dedicated to loved ones on-board were floated on the boating lake following a speech by Thomas’ mum Chris.

Sharon Stanley, fundraising and events manager for the charity, told how as the lights were floated as Buxton Studio Choir sang Westlife’s ‘you raise me up’ - which she described as ‘moving and incredibly emotional’ for those watching.

She said: “The emotion you could feel was indescribable - I’m sure there was not a dry eye there.

“What an event - to have the chance to remember someone but it wasn’t sad.

“It was just nice to stand still for a moment and remember someone without feeling bad about it.

“It was fine to just smile or cry.

“It was so well attended and we’re hoping the next one is going to be even bigger.”

To find out more about the Thomas Theyer Foundation or to make a donation click HERE.