Memorial event to be held on the sea at sunset

People who have lost friends and family members are set to gather for a memorial event on Sunday evening.

Floating Bye organised by the North Devon Hospice offers the opportunity for the community to place flowers and messages on a raft which is towed into the sea as the sun sets.

Organisers said the event on Instow beach was due to begin at 18:15 BST, with the raft set to float at about 19.30.

A spokesperson for the hospice said the event created "a deeply moving and symbolic farewell" and was for "absolutely everybody who has lost someone".

People taking part will be given a pink gerbera flower and a card on which a message to the person who has died can be written.

These flowers will be placed onto a bamboo and wicker raft which rowers will tow out to sea as the sun goes down.

Debbie Lack from Barnstaple said she would be taking part.

She said: "I've been attending Floating Bye for around five years now and it's become such an important part of how I remember those I've lost."

North Devon Hospice cares for people and families facing the impact of cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

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