Christmas can be the loneliest time of the year, particularly for those who have lost their loved ones.

Friends of Hospice is the volunteer and fundraising arm of Agape House, the hospice for the terminally-ill in Bermuda. This weekend, the 14th annual Tree of Lights took place at City Hall – a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in honour of those who have passed.

This year's tree is adorned with up to 1,200 bows – each one symbolising a patient of the hospice. It took an army of 20 volunteers more than two hours to decorate the tree, which was sponsored by the Corporation of Hamilton. Among this year's helpers were ten students of Somersfield Academy, who assisted in making the ribbons.

Those attending the 'Lighting the Tree' ceremony were entertained with music from the Berkeley Institute, Bermuda High School and Saltus Junior School choirs, plus the Bermuda Regiment Band and the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band.

Santa and his elves also made an appearance, distributing candy donated by the Phoenix Stores, and travelling on a fire engine from the Bermuda Fire Service.

Erica Fulton, the new Volunteer and Fundraising Coordinator for Friends of Hospice, was the person responsible for organising this year's celebration.

"The Tree of Lights is a time for family members to come together and remember their loved ones, especially now we are entering into the holiday season," she said.

"The tree stands as a symbol, and brings people together. Each bow represents someone who has come through Agape House. But it is a fun time as well, with all the music and Santa and his elves."

Miss Fulton took up the post in September, shortly after completing her Masters degree in voluntary action management at Roehampton University, London.

The 27-year-old is the daughter of obstetrician Ian Fulton and his wife Anna – an occupational therapist who serves on the Bermuda Hospitals Board's ethics committee and who also helps out with various charities on the Island. A desire to help people obviously runs in the family – Miss Fulton's brother Richard is also a doctor, currently working as a paediatrician in London.

Miss Fulton, of Paget, said: "Voluntary work is something I've always been encouraged to do by my parents. It was important for me after finishing this degree to come back to Bermuda and work for an organisation which works directly with the community.

"I think Agape House is a prime example of that. It is Bermuda's only hospice and provides an essential service.

"Friends of Hospice enhances the community side of Agape House. We look at celebrating the holidays and patients' birthdays. We raise money, such as to pay for the chef at the hospice, and organise the team of volunteers. The aim is to make life more comfortable for both the patients and their families.

"Agape House is a very family-oriented environment and is open 24/7. You can even bring your dog here – there are no visiting restrictions. It's for people to be able to come together.

"Sometimes relatives even end up coming back and getting involved in volunteering. We have about 60 volunteers who help with the meal service, covering reception work, 'visiting a friend' and gardening. They also help with the fundraising events, such as making ribbons and baking.

"We are very reliant on our volunteers and are very appreciative of them."

Miss Fulton's next task is to organise a candlelit vigil for those patients who have died.

"It's a vigil where people can remember their loved ones at this time of year," she said.

If anyone would like to help bring some Christmas cheer to patients and their families, Friends of Hospice is always on the lookout for volunteers.

Miss Fulton said: "We are always interested in more volunteers, especially for the meal service. I think it is an excellent opportunity for people to give back to the community and to donate some of their spare time towards helping others.

"I really enjoy working here, it always keeps me very busy and I feel very fulfilled in my job."

If you would like to join the Friends of Hospice volunteers, telephone 232-0859.