WITH just days to go until the official switch-on of this year's Tree of Light in Malvern, organisers are delighted how well the appeal has gone so far.

This is the 13th year that Malvern Rotary Club has organised the appeal, which will see a magnificent 100-foot conifer tree in the town's Priory Park swathed in lights.

The campaign has two objectives: the first is to provide a symbol by which family and friends may remember those who will not be with them to celebrate Christmas, and the second is to raise funds for worthy cause . Over £112,000 has been raised to date.

Michael Barraclough of the club said: "The net takings this year will be split equally between St Richards Hospice, ARCOS, and other charities which Malvern Rotary club supports through the year.

"These include Polio Plus, Hope and Homes for Children, FOAG, Mercy Ships, and Shelter Box, as well as the provision of extra facilities at the Cube and to support young people from Malvern who volunteer to work in developing countries as well as widening their horizons.

"It is not too late to give a donation to remember the lives of those no longer with us and at the same time to help us continue to support these charities. For anyone who wishes to remember a loved one by sponsoring a light, a form is attached with all the details of how this can be done.

"Don't forget that a list, updated regularly, of donors and lives remembered, together with the names of our business sponsors will be displayed in the Foyer of the Malvern Theatre, Rotary's website at rotary-robi.org/clubs/homepage.asp/ClubID-611 and in this newspaper before Christmas."

The switch-on ceremony is at 6.30pm on Monday, December 1, and all are welcome to attend.

Mr Barraclough said: “We’re delighted with the response we’ve had this year. We hope that as many people as possible will come

along to Priory Park on Monday to see the switch-on and remember those who the lights are dedicated to.”