THE tragic loss of a friend on Christmas Day a year ago led friends to pay tribute to him in a way that would raise festive cheer for others at the Salisbury Hospice.
Anthony Lewis who was in his mid-40's when he died of cancer and had been a Verger at Salisbury Cathedral and was well-known by many.
Danielle Green, 34 a former chorister said: "He was a friend, a mentor and advocate to countless generations of both boy and girl choristers in the cathedral. We both started at the same time in 1997."
Anthony had stopped working at the cathedral but his funeral there was attended by more than a thousand people in January.
Danielle said: "He really left his mark on that building in more ways than one."
When taken ill, he was moved from Salisbury District Hospital to the Hospice and the day before he died, a group of cathedral choristers went to sing for him. He was still lucid at that time.
Danielle said: "I remember seeing the reaction on his face when he heard it."
Read more: Salisbury Journal review of the year - part one
One year later, a group of former choristers wanted to do something in Anthony's name and to support others at the hospice.
Danielle said: "There were six of us ex-girl choristers and one current boy chorister, George Johnson, who is Anthony's godson."
The event was arranged with Salisbury Hospice in advance and Bella Bowman, Marney Davies, Flora Davies, Sophie Abbot, George Johnson and Dr Laura Vincent (George's mother) went to perform- alongside Danielle.
Bella Bowman told the Journal Anthony had been like family and had even been a part of their 'bubble' during the pandemic.
On Christmas Eve this year, the former choristers performed at Salisbury Hospice for about 30 minutes to the delight of staff and patients.
Danielle said: "I had been really dreading the first anniversary but afterwards, I felt really great. Like I had done something good."
Danielle added: "The atmosphere at the hospice was so calming and peaceful. I don't know how the nurses do it. Even the aftercare they gave Anthony's parents was amazing. I just want to do something to let people know about the Salisbury Hospice."
Having faced the first anniversary of their loss, the friends plan to make the event an annual one in Anthony's memory, but to also extend some kindness and cheer to those in the hospice.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here