An Essex-based craft company is encouraging people to make their own 'Celebrating Life' candles and light them for Celebration Day this Sunday, to raise money for a local charity.

Cosy Owl, based in Braintree, began selling candle-making kits at the beginning of this month, to raise funds for Farleigh Hospice, with all profits going towards the care of its 245 patients and their families.

Farleigh Hospice, which has charity shops in Heybridge and Maldon, is currently marking 40 years of providing care to those with life-limiting illnesses throughout mid-Essex.

The local charity will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year (Image: Farleigh Hospice)

Richard Fewings, Managing Director at Cosy Owl, said: "Celebration Day is a lovely opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed.

"And that is exactly what we want people to do with our Celebrating Life candle making kits. Candle making is great for your mental wellbeing, so combining the relaxation of the candle making process, with lighting the candle to remember and celebrate the lives of those not with us, makes the perfect combination - all while raising vital funds for our local hospice."

The new national 'Celebration Day' is supported by celebrities including Prue Leith, Stephen Fry and Richard E Grant. It is set to take place this Sunday and aims to encourage reflection and remembrance of the lives people who have died.

Each kit includes all the ingredients and equipment needed to make a Celebrating Life candle (Photo: Cosy Owl)

Cosy Owl says the candle making kits are available in a selection of fragrances and dyes, "chosen to evoke memories of a loved one". Each kit includes all the ingredients and equipment needed to make a Celebrating Life candle, along with a detailed guide to make the process of making the candles simple and cathartic.

The Farleigh Hospice Celebrating Life candle making kits can be purchased here, with a choice of colour and fragrance to personalise each candle.