Shrewsbury Tree of Light’s record-breaking success

As Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club removes its 2020 Tree of Light in the centre of the town, thanks have been expressed to all those who made it a success.

The tree, which was put in the bell tower of St Mary’s Church, has raised a record £7,046, plus gift aid.

It is more than the £5,700 raised in 2019 and with monies still coming in for 2020 it has been hailed as the best result yet.

Rotary Tree of Light co-ordinator Iain Gilmour said: “The tremendous support of the Shropshire Star as well as that of patrons, both existing and new, should be acknowledged in the most glowing of terms.

“Rotary is indebted to the Shropshire Star for the superb advanced coverage of the Tree of Light fundraising appeal which included publication of the names of donors of £5 donations in memory of a loved one in what has been an extremely difficult year.

Exceptional

“I am positive that the recipients of the money raised, Age UK Shropshire, Lingen Davies Cancer Appeal and the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, will all be as delighted as we are with this exceptional result in the most unusual year we have experienced since the concept of the Tree of Light was launched.

“As organisers of the town’s Tree of Light, Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club is absolutely thrilled with the outcome and we also acknowledge the support received from our fellow local Rotary clubs of Shrewsbury and Shrewsbury Darwin.”

Rotarian Iain Gilmour said thanks should once again also go to Leaton Estate who provided the tree.

He added that the 2020 recipients would be receiving their cheques without the formality of an official presentation which he said could not unfortunately take place this year due to lockdown restrictions.

“This, sadly, has to be a break with tradition and in the circumstances is unavoidable," he said.

"However, Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club will try to provide readers of the Shropshire Star with a few pictures of the handover of cheques to these most worthy causes.”