TWO Southampton residents are backing the poignant Daily Echo-backed Tree of Light Campaign.

Communicare which is running the campaign is a charity aiming to eradicate loneliness through befriending.

As part of their campaign, residents can sponsor a light for a loved one and before a switch on at Woolston Millenium Garden on December 1 at 5pm.

The campaign has taken place for the past ten years and aims to raise money to ensure that Commuincare can continue their work in the city.

Ruby Reid-Deforte who will be celebrating her 100 on December 13 and Bob Petch, 69, are backing the campaign.

Ruby has been attending Evergreens social club organised by St James by The Park Parish Hall in Church Street once a month for the past ten years with the help of Bob, a Communicare volunteer

Bob has been part of Communicare for 17 years.

Originally he was focused on the management side of the charity but for the past ten years he has been part of the volunteer scheme.

Bob drives Ruby and her friends to the social club where they meet other people and chat.

Ruby said: “It’s nice when Bob comes to see me, I appreciate it as I get to talk to people at the club and find out about them.”

Bob said:”I think I get more out of this than the people that I help.

“ You get a chance to meet people and listen to their stories.

“As a Christian it’s a great way to express what we believe in and that’s helping people in lots of different ways.”

“People should become a Commuincare volunteer as you can do it on your own terms.

“You decide when you volunteer and what you do. It is a great way to give back and help others.”.

To sponsor a light as part of the campaign there is a suggested minimum donation of £7 that can be sent via Communicare’s Facebook donation page https://www.facebook.com/donate/1015629951951334/.