A SOUTHAMPTON charity dedicated to helping eradicate loneliness in the city has so far raised £1,431.50 with its 13th annual Tree of Light campaign.

Communicare held switch-on events attended by civic dignitaries for its festive trees to commemorate loved ones at two events earlier this month and people have been able to sponsor lights online too.

Communicare Manager Annie Clewlow said: “All the funds raised will go towards our Good Neighbours network, which extends a helping hand to members of the community in our city experiencing challenging circumstances. We are here to help people live, rather than exist. This is more than just a fundraiser for us, as our Tree of Light provides a valuable public service for those who wish to remember and include those they have lost in their Christmas giving.”

The first charity light-up event of 2021 took place in Woolston Millennium Garden and was officially switched on by the Sheriff of Southampton, Councillor Jacqui Rayment. Entertainment included carol singing led by the Rising Stars music group.

The second switch-on was at St Mark’s Church on Archers Road, where the Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Alex Houghton flicked the switch. Prior to this, guests enjoyed activities and refreshments provided by church members.

Annie adds: “We are thrilled to have had such a good response to our project. Both switch on events were well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all. We are very grateful to The Echo, Woolston Millennium Garden, St Mark’s Church, Spectrum Signs, the Sheriff and the Mayor for their involvement and support, and hope that everyone who passes the trees enjoys their twinkling lights.”

The tree of light dedications are:

Jane Davies remembers Madeleine & Charles Davies

Jill Franz remembers Sebastien Wood

Clare Challis remembers Joyce & Ted Challis

John Duncan remembers Mr Terry Gerrard & Mrs Margaret Prince

Lindsey Fraser remembers Fiona Shephard, Matilda Levett-Giachardi & Helen Margaret Giachardi

Michael Shephard remembers Fiona Shephard

The Pearce Family remember Jackie Pearce

The Pearce Family remember Dawn & Owen Dawkins

Alistair Pearce remembers Fishy

Patti Rogers remembers Paul Rogers

The Yates Family remember Eileen Yates, Charlie Yates, Pop Yates & Maisie Gentle

Tracey Beckerleg remembers David Hancocks, Margaret Hancocks, Nora Beckerleg, Hugh Beckerleg, Alan Tapley & Vera Tapley

Stella Thompson remembers Edna & Bob Dean

Carol Medcalf remembers Mrs Joyce Dora Colborne & Mr Bertie George Colborne

Christine Evans remembers Barrie, Mum, Dad, Ruth, Herbert & Betty

Elizabeth Johnson remembers Barry Alan Johnson

Rosanna Newey remembers Geoffrey Cox

Carolyn Renault remembers Peter Renault

Susan Ponsford remembers June Marshall

Ian Powis remembers Roy Starbuck

Doreen Powis remembers Roy Starbuck

Nigel Jarvis remembers Janet Elisabeth Jarvis

Maureen Kimber remembers Eve & Elena Mae

Margaret Griffiths remembers Edith Stanley & Vida Risden

Maralyn Burt remembers Ron Burt & Gladys Burt

Louise Taylor remembers Robin Taylor

Gill Yeates remembers Mrs Gladys Truckel, John Yeates & Miss Janice Truckel

Christine Jay remembers Archie Stenning, Sarah Ray & Jim Jay

Hazel Bracher remembers John Kenneth Bracher

Susan Daw remembers David Daw

Andrew Coombs remembers Mervyn Coombs

John & Jean Fleming remember Tim Creamer & Rachaiah Bandi

Barrie Worth remembers Georgi Hickman

Kelly Bowers remembers Georgi Hickman

Jane Robson remembers John Ball

Cara Sandys remembers Barbara Sandys

Gillian Way remembers Suzanne Whicher

Lenka Fremerova remembers Lenka & Jiri's Families

Mrs A. Goodlud remembers Viv & Mary Govier

Pauline Imrie remembers Vicki May

Elizabeth Cleverley remembers John & Ina Bishop, Susie & Walter Mason & Harriet Levise Cleverley

Jean Mason remembers Brian Mason, Una Hooper & Hazel Butler

Nick Thomas remembers John Rumbold

Bridget O'Donnell remembers Hugh O'Donnell

Lynda Giles remembers David Giles

Joyce Boddy remembers Raymond Boddy

Samuel MCCarthy remembers Coral McCarthy

Gillian Spratt remembers Ernest Greenwood, Beryl Spratt, Ada Greenwood & Janet Bell

Brenda Kemp remembers Len Roberts

Marion Corneby remembers John Corneby & Karen Mitchell

Ann Sammit remembers Vic Sammit, Elizabeth Herbie & Ken Hampton & Lilian & Arch Nash

Miriam Page remembers Ralph Page

The Clewlow Family remember Vic & Lydia Clewlow, David Burks, Asher Gouget, Fiona Shephard & Helen Giacardi

Joan Burks remembers David Burks & Asha Gouget

Grace Smith remembers Peter (Smith)

Rosemary Badham remembers Desmond (George) & Doreen Hill

Annette Way remembers Bryan Way

John Taylor remembers Edna & Ron Taylor

Saire Herschel remembers Bob Herschel-Clark

Sophie & Andy Baker remember Isaac Baker

Kate Laver remembers David Sandhu

Hywel Jones remembers Arthur Labinjo-Hughes

Mary Dibben remembers Colin C. Dibben