Light up a tree to raise cash for cancer charity

It is hoped the appeal will boost Marie Curie Cancer Care’s £200,000 fundraising target.

The charity, which is being backed by The Bolton News, wants to reach the total in 12 months.

All the money will fund free home nursing care for terminally ill people.

Companies that join the Lights To Remember appeal will invite staff and customers to sponsor a light and write a special message on a tag – a dedication to a loved one or a Christmas message for someone. The proceeds will go to the campaign.

Barton Grange Garden Centre, in Wigan Road, Hunger Hill, has signed up to take part in the scheme.

It will launch its Lights To Remember appeal tomorrow during its Christmas Ideas Night, which takes place between 6pm and 9pm.

Marie Curie volunteers will be on hand and customers and staff can get involved throughout the festive season.

Tony Jones, assistant manager at the garden centre, said: “It’s a great cause, everyone knows someone affected by cancer, and it’s a very appropriate way to raise money.

“Signing up shows support and there’s no reason why other people shouldn’t get involved.”

Community fundraiser Hannah Taylor said: “We’d urge other companies to get behind the appeal and support their Bolton Marie Curie Nurses.

“Christmas is a time for families and our nurses will be working over the festive season to enable as many patients to have their last Christmas at home, where they want to be.

“If you have a Christmas tree in your office why not light it up for the Bolton Nursing Appeal?”

Companies that do not have a tree can use a special poster instead and there will be a special Lights To Remember Service at Bolton Parish Church on December 15 at 7.30pm.

For a free fundraising pack contact 0161 255 2809 or email hannah.taylor@ mariecurie.org.uk.

To find out more about the appeal visit theboltonnews. co.uk/mariecurie. Let us know what you are doing on 01204 537203.

cherry.thomas@ theboltonnews.co.uk