Remember loved ones at the Tree of Light

Catherine Thomson, who works in student recruitment at Warwick University, lost her father to cancer in 2005 and she has since taken part in various fundraising activities for Macmillan.

Her most recent adventure was a physically demanding week-long trek across the Sahara Desert from which she raised more than £3,000 to help people living with cancer.

Miss Thomson said: “We all had our personal reasons for being there, and had all committed to raising at least £2,500 for Macmillan.

“It was incredibly bonding to meet people in that context, and needless to say there were several emotional moments during the week, particularly on the penultimate day, when the representative from Macmillan invited us to take a few minutes of personal reflection after we’d reached the summit of Chegaga early one morning.

“Collectively we’d raised over £46,000 for Macmillan before the trip, and as we sat on the top of the dune, in the heart of the Sahara, we each thought of home, and of family, friends and colleagues affected by cancer. It was an extremely moving part of the trip for us all.

“We did it. And so can anyone. The people I was privileged to meet on that trek came from a wide variety of backgrounds, and had all signed up, motivated by their direct or indirect experience of cancer, to raise money, awareness and to take part in the experience of a lifetime”

People can do their bit for the charity by making a donation to the rotary club and dedicating lights to loved ones on one of the Trees of Light in Leamington or Whitnash.

The Leamington tree, outside the town hall, will be switched on on Sunday November 25 at 3.30pm.

The Whitnash tree, which stands outside St Margaret’s church, will be switched on tomorrow (Saturday) at 5.30pm.

The names of those who have lights dedicated to them will be displayed at the town hall, the church and at Whitnash library throughout Christmas.

Donations and dedications can be made using the form attached .

Alternatively, donations can be made by clicking here.