Local MP Alan Mak has visited St Peter's Church on Hayling Island to congratulate the organiser of the Tree of Light community project.
Mr Mak met organiser John Blake at the Church to view the Tree of Light which has now been running on the Island for 8 years. He started the project after feeling there was a need for people to be able to express their love and feelings of loss for those special to them at Christmas time, as well as being an opportunity to raise funds for the maintenance of the church.
The Tree of Light works by donating lightbulbs to residents for a donation of £5, which are then placed on the Tree. Residents who purchase bulbs then dedicate their bulb to the memory of lost loved ones. The dedications are recorded on ribbons, which are tied to a rail that surrounds the tree. This year John is expecting to raise over £2,500 from the Tree.
Mr Mak chose to dedicate his lightbulb to all the servicemen and women from the Havant Constituency who have fallen defending their country.
Local MP Alan Mak said: “Thank you John for organising the Tree of Light again. What John and the Hayling Anglicans have done here is a great asset to our community. Local residents have continued to support John's work each year and I hope the Tree of Light continues for many years to come .”
John Blake of Hayling Anglicans said: “Thank you Alan for coming to visit the Tree of Light. This Tree means so much to those who have lost loved ones and you have also kindly donated a bulb in memory of those who have fallen while defending their country in war. If anyone would like to like to light a bulb on the Tree in memory of a loved one you can find full details on the website www.haylinganglicans.co.uk“
