THE annual candle lighting event at Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery Chapel this year raised £350 for the Mayor of Barry’s charities, 2Wish and Mind in the Vale. 

The event, which takes place on the Sunday before Christmas - which this year was Christmas Eve - gives people the chance to light a candle in memory of a loved one and have a moment of quiet reflection in the chapel. 

Co-organiser councillor Nic Hodges said: “(The event) gives people a chance to remember loved ones while visiting graves in the cemetery, but also somewhere for people to go whose loved ones are buried elsewhere. 

“Having done this for fifteen years, I would like to thank Barry Town Council staff at Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery for their help and support in putting the event on.” 

Barry Town Mayor, Councillor Ian Johnson, added: “I would like to thank everybody who donated whilst at the Christmas Eve event. 

“Christmas can be a difficult time for many people and my charities, 2Wish and Mind in the Vale, provide support for individuals and families when they are facing a tough time.”