HUNDREDS of twinkling fairy lights will be switched on tonight to remember lost loved ones and raise money to help some of the most vulnerable people in Southampton.

The Daily Echo backed-charity event will see the lights of one of the trees in Woolston Millennium Garden switched on by Cllr Cathie McEwing, the Mayor of Southampton, at 4.30pm.

People can sponsor a light for £5 and the money will go to Southampton charity Communicare which offers vulnerable people emotional and practical support.

The charity brought together Judith Bartlett and Rukshana and the pair have formed a lasting friendship.

When Rukshana needed help with her older children after the premature arrival of twins she found support from Judith, 73, a Communicare’s volunteer, who gave her “a new lease of life” following retirement.

“Having children is overwhelming”, Rukshana said, “and especially because my children are so close together in age, it became difficult to do anything altogether. So Judith came to my rescue.”

Over the years Judith came to be considered “part of the family” by Rukshana.

Judith said: “Meeting Rukshana and her family kept me sane and has filled a void in my life.

“Indeed, I have always been very involved in my own grandchildren’s lives and the youngest had just gone off to school. Add to that my husband had been moved to a Care Home due to his complex needs.”

The two women now meet at least once a week to go out.

To volunteer or sponsor a light call 023 8021 6023.