Leamington and Whitnash Trees of Light: town mayor emphasises 'significance and importance' of this year's campaign

Speaking after the Tree of Light at St Mary's church was illuminated for the first time this year last Friday (November 13), Cllr Barton said: "The Tree of Light this year has more significance and importance, not only due to its name but also due to the restrictions we now all live under.

"Many people in our district have relied heavily on the NHS and its support services, Myton Hospice being one of these.

"Many people are remembered every year with the Trees of Light.

"Those remembered are someone’s son or daughter, brother or sister, mum or dad.

"Everyone holds cherished memories - we think about and remember them all.

"This year, as in many years, Myton Hospice has cared for the terminally ill and provided respite for carers.

"It is through the great work which the Rotary Club undertakes that we are able to remember our loved ones and raise money for such a worthwhile cause."

The Leamington Courier is supporting the campaign and will carry the coupon each week up to Christmas and the New Year alongside articles about the dedicated work of The Myton Hospices.

Last year the charity supported more than 1,800 people and their families through its hospices in Warwick, Coventry and Rugby.

For this to continue it must raise over £9 million in voluntary donations, even more desperately needed now that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused many annual fundraising actvities to be cancelled.

The postal coupon will also appear in some newspapers as a drop-out flyer and at some places around the towns, and donations can also be made online at the Justgiving site www.mytonhospice.org/TreesOfLight, where you can donate and enter the remembered name in the Comments box.

To comply with the latest Covid lockdown, the Leamington Tree of Light will be switched on during the planned Four Towns Lights Switch On "virtual" event starting at 5.45 on Friday 27th November to be streamed on the Warwick District Council's Facebook page and YouTube channel.