MORE than 600 people braved the wet and windy weather to pay their respects at an Oxford Light of Love ceremony which nearly never happened.

The Christmas tree at the Churchill Hospital, which carries messages of love and remembrance of people who have died of cancer at the hospital, blew down in last Thursday night's gale-force winds.

But quick work by the hospital estates staff and Southern Electric made sure everything was back in position - and securely anchored with strong ropes - for Saturday's annual ceremony, the 12th to be held.

After carols and a short service, the lights were switched on by the hospital's chaplain, the Rev Bob Whorton.

They each represented thousands of messages and prayers submitted by the people left behind to grieve the loss of a loved one.

The tree was given by Timbmet, of Cumnor Hill. Jubilee Brass (Oxford) played for the carols, which were led by the Oxford Welsh Male Voice Choir.

Bill Couldrick, chairman of Sobell House Hospice Charity trustees, said it was important to remember loved ones in a ceremony such as the Lights of Love.

Mr Whorton said: "When we lose a loved one, we are buffeted and without hope for the future and we need people to stand by us, not changing how we are feeling, but just supporting us.

"Life will never be the same as it was before, but life does go on."

The sentiments were echoed by Jo McGhee, 69, of Ducklington, who was there with her son Ian, 38, who has learning difficulties, and friends Pip and David Walters, from Surrey.

Mrs McGhee lost her husband John, aged 69, three years ago and has been to two Lights of Love ceremonies.

She said: "It's nice to have the time to focus the mind on someone in the presence of God. We're committed Christians and firmly believe that John is with God.

"This has been a time to thank God for the 38 years of marriage we had together."

Gloria Keen, of Rose Hill, was there to remember her daughter-in-law Linda, with Linda's daughter Hayley and husband Steven, 48, from Blackbird Leys.

Linda died in 2001 after being ill for six years.

Mr Keen said: "It's very moving. People get a lot of comfort from it."