Rotarians celebrate success of Trees of Light campaign

The Rotary Club of Royal Leamington Spa’s campaign, which ran from November and right through the Christmas period, raised almost £3,600 for Macmillan Cancer Care.

The 11th annual fundraising drive of its type, the Trees of Light has now raised more than £40,000 for charities including £4,000 for Macmillan last year.

David Swain, the club’s president, said: “The Rotary Trees of Light have been a splendidly cheering sight in two towns, the traditional Christmas trees sparkling with lights.

“These lights were especially significant, because they represented the names of so many local people who could not be home for Christmas, or the memory of loved ones departed.

“The club is proud that the trees not only enabled people to remember their loved ones, but also enabled them to make generous donations.”

The trees stood outside Leamington town hall and St Margaret’s church in Whitnash and were both illuminated for the first time during special lights switch-on events, which were attended by various dignitaries, rotarians and charity representatives.

Donations were made by those who left heartfelt and personal messages of remembrance to almost 400 loved ones.

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer by providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support and campaigns for better cancer care.

Karen Shortt, Macmillan fundraising manager, said: “It has yet again been a pleasure to work alongside The Rotary Club of Royal Leamington Spa. “People’s generosity towards Macmillan continues to amaze us and we are incredibly grateful to all supporters of the campaign.”