Virtual candles, free to download and use
MyWishes have created virtual candles ahead of the National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2021. The virtual candles are free to use and available in different styles and formats. Virtual candle videos flicker for exactly one minute mirroring the one minute silence being held at 8pm on the 23rd March. Animated GIF versions have also been developed and flicker continually.
Virtual candles can be used by people who do have candles in their homes during moments of reflection. They can also be used by children as a safe alternative to a traditional candle.
Spearheaded by end of life charity Marie Curie the day of reflection is taking place one year after the UK went into it’s first national lockdown. Marie Curie estimates that over three million people have been bereaved since the pandemic began, yet many have been unable to properly say goodbye to loved ones or grieve.
The National Day of Reflection will give the nation and communities a moment to remember, grieve and celebrate everyone who has died during this time and show support for our families, friends and colleagues who are grieving.
MyWishes are a supporting organisation for the day and we wanted to contribute by developing something that is of value and can be used by all. The virtual candles can be used on different devices and optimised for sharing on different social networks.
How to use the virtual candles
Click on the URL (website address) assigned to the video or animated GIF that you would like to use during moments of reflection. If you would like to share a virtual candle online, write a message and insert the URL into the message.
Choose your favourite virtual candle
Click on the virtual candle that you would like to use from the images below. A new window will open in your browser or in your phone and automatically play the flickering candle from Youtube for one minute. The Youtube URL (website address) can then be added to accompany a message of reflection or a story about a loved one.
To download the virtual candle optimised for use on Facebook Stories and Instagram Stories click here
Use the virtual candle videos however you want
You might want to display a virtual candle flickering for one minute whilst stood on your doorstep at 8pm on the 23rd March. Alternatively, you might want to position a tablet (iPad, Galaxy Tab, Kindle etc) on a window-ledge over the course of the day and let the animated GIF candle flicker throughout the day .
We have created the virtual candles, it is up to each person to decide how they might want to use and display them.
Virtual Candle Animated GIFs
Below are three animated GIFs. Unlike the virtual candle videos these candles will not stop flickering after 1 minute. Instead these candles will continue to flicker when used on a phone or embedded onto a website or blog until the device or page is closed. The URLs (website addresses) below each candle can be copied, pasted and used on social media sites. If you click on any of the URLs below, the virtual candle will instantly be displayed in full screen on your mobile device, computer or tablet
Inserting a virtual candle onto a website or blog
Each website and blog is different. The accompanying image highlights a simple way how Wordpress website owners and publishers can insert a virtual candle into the page or post.
Once logged in, simply copy the URL of the virtual candle you would like to use and paste it in the ‘Add media’ section. The candle will flicker automatically and will not require the viewer to press a play button.
MyWishes is the UK’s leading, health and wellbeing planning software. Our service is free to use and we are based at Michael Sobell Hospice in North London. Over the last year we have had to adapt our service to the changing needs of society and the communities we serve. “We will continue to work hard helping our users to document their wishes and improve understandings around death and bereavement. We fully support the National Day of Reflection and understand the importance of this day for the country” – James Norris, founder of MyWishes.
Marie Curie warns that without the right support for people who have been bereaved, the devastation that the pandemic has caused will impact the lives of people for generations. Marie Curie Chief Executive Matthew Reed said: “We need to mark the huge amount of loss we’ve seen this year and show support for everyone who has been bereaved in the most challenging of circumstances. We cannot simply stand by and not recognise the effects the pandemic has had on the bereaved. We know people are in shock, confused, upset, angry and unable to process what has happened. The National Day of Reflection on 23 March gives us a moment to reflect, remember and celebrate the lives of everyone that has died, as well as show our support to family, friends and colleagues who are bereaved during these challenging times – from Covid and other causes.”
Marie Curie, MyWishes, a number of politicians and other supporting organisations are calling on the nation to take a minute to reflect at 12 noon on the National Day of Reflection on 23 March for those who have died during the pandemic; and take a moment to connect with someone who has been bereaved. They also call upon those willing and able to shine a light on their doorstep at 8pm. A virtual candle is one way to do this.
To find out more about the National Day of Reflection and how to get involved visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection. If you use social networks, content can be shared on them with the #DayofReflection hashtag.
Scan me
If you use a smart phone (iPhone, Android etc) or a tablet (iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Kindle etc) scan the QR code below with your device. Once scanned a flickering, virtual candle will instantly appear. *Your device will need to have a QR code scanner built into it’s camera for this to work
Other talks and events we are supporting...
MyWishes free to use software was developed under the guidance of healthcare, hospice, legal and funeral professionals. Our platforms empowers society to make plans for both themselves and those they care about.
Michael Sobell Hospice Palliative Care Department Mount Vernon Hospital, Gate 3 Northwood HA6 2RN United Kingdom (Map)
- Register and document your wishes for free here
- For all enquires click here
- To learn how MyWishes works click here
Sharing is caring…
We have developed a suite of free to use, #VirtualCandles ahead of the National #DayOfReflection. Video candles flicker for one minute mirroring the minute’s silence held at 8pm on 23/03/21. Looping animated GIF candles also available
🕯️https://t.co/FoNnAHzZx9🕯️#CharityTuesday pic.twitter.com/DIBEn6HIaA
— MyWishes (@MyWishesApp) March 16, 2021
View this post on Instagram