Missing a loved one, for whatever reason, is intensely personal and can be acutely painful. Lighting a candle may be a small gesture but one that maintains a precious spiritual connection and whatever your creed or religion, one that helps you focus your thoughts. It can be surprisingly soothing, bringing peace and comfort when grief or loneliness weighs heavily.

Separation or bereavement can seem even more acute at times - on a birthday, an anniversary or Christmas, or special days like Mother's Day or Father's Day - and at these special times the simple ceremony of lighting a candle or revisiting a photo album can help you reconnect, bringing back memories that can be sentimental and emotional, yet comforting too.