Campaign helps to bring light to the darkest days of those in need

The campaign encourages people can make donations to Macmilllan Cancer Support and dedicate a light on Christmas trees outside Lemaington town hall and St Margaret’s church in Whitnash.

Cllr Barton, who switched on the lights for the Whitnash tree last month, said: “Many years ago my dad passed away thankfully peacefully, then a few years later my best friend passed and it was not peaceful.

“I watched him die in a hospice with his body ravaged by cancer, this was one of the darkest times in my life.

“Cancer in its many forms can be so devastating to the family unit, and it is there where Macmillan Cancer Support can help so much.

“One in three of us at some time, will be diagnosed with some form of cancer and Macmillan will be there to help.

“Nearly 98 per cent of Macmillan’s income came from voluntary giving and fundraising such as the Tree of Light Campaign in 2011, the charity supports 3,707 Macmillan nurses who work in the community and in our hospitals, it offers financial help at a time of need, support groups and bereavement counselling where needed.

“Through the Tree of Light campaign we remember all of those who have passed away before us and in doing so we raise much needed funds to enable Macmillan Cancer Support to carry out care and support to those who need it in their darkest of days.”

This is the Rotary Club of Royal Leamington Spa’s 12th Trees of Light campaign.

Over the years the fundraising effort has made tens of thousands of pounds for good causes .

In recent years Macmillan has been the charity the club has chosen to support.

Goerge Dick, the club’s president, said: “Our members are delighted to support this very worthy cause again with our trees of light in Leamington and Whitnash.”

To make a donation use the form below or go online. http://macmillan.tributefunds.com/TheSpaRotaryTreeofLight