Light a candle for a loved one (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Light a candle for a loved one

Former mayor Peter Stoddart at the lighting up of the Tree of Thought last ChristmasTHE Tree of Thought scheme, which gives families the chance to celebrate absent loved ones, is returning to Swindon.

The Advertiser-backed Swindon Cancer Appeal is starting the Tree of Thought on Wednesday, November 23, so Swindonians have a special way to remember those loved and lost or otherwise absent at Christmas by sponsoring a light on the tree.

The Advertiser is printing coupons offering readers the chance to take part in the lighting of the candles ceremony, which is to be held at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Village at 6.30pm.

The Swindon Cancer Appeal is hoping to smash the £2,500 raised last year and a £500 donation from the Outlet centre has already given it a good start.

It costs £5 for people wishing to sponsor a light.

Appeal co-ordinator Graziella Campisano said: "The Outlet Village has been very generous, so we're grateful.

"We are also pleased to have Lawn Infants' School choir coming down to sing for visitors on the opening day, which will be fantastic."

The Tree of Thought will be on display at Christmas, a time when families are particularly reminded of absent loved ones.

And organisers hope this will bring families comfort and remind them of happy times.

Swindon mayor Ray Fisher believes that it is important for people to have the opportunity to remember loved ones.

He said: "The Tree of Thought is also a good opportunity to acknowledge the nurses who have done so much to help those who have been suffering."

All money raised by the Tree of Thought will go towards improving facilities for cancer patients in the town.

So far the appeal has raised £771,406, thanks to the generosity of Advertiser readers and it is well on the way to reaching the £1m mark.

It has long ago smashed the original £600,000 target, which was due to be reached in 2006.

People are encouraged to fill out their coupons for The Tree of Thought early. The deadline is December 16.

Anyone who wants more information about the tree can contact Graziella on 01793 432252.

Victoria Ashford