Thousands of pink candles will be lit this Shabbat in memory of toddler Sadie Salt, who died after choking on a piece of sausage at a Radlett nursery.

After Sadie’ death, a striking image of a pink candle was shared by hundreds of people on social media. Having consulted the family, Connect Borehamwood, a joint project of Seed and Aish UK, distributed 200 sets of the pink candles.

But as increasing numbers signed up online to request them, volunteers have been scurrying to obtain and package more candles. It is anticipated that 10,000 packs will be distributed in time for Shabbat.

Rabbi Peretz Goldstein of Connect Borehamwood said he had been “overwhelmed by the response. It is an incredible credit to the community that so many have come together to share a little bit of light through this sad time.”

 His wife Sorele added: “It is heartwarming to see how many people want to participate in this mitzvah in memory of Sadie.”