Light up appeal supports local groups

FIVE Dumfriesshire charities have been presented with cheques following St Michael’s Church’s annual Light Up a Life Appeal. Now in its 27th year, the appeal is organised by church member Janet Henderson. Members of the public make a donation in memory or honour of a loved one and a bulb is lit on the church’s Christmas tree, with all names are recorded in a Book of Remembrance held on display in the church. Janet’s husband, Tom was the original ‘leading light’ in establishing the campaign but since Tom’s passing, Janet and church members Fiona and Roy Watson keep the appeal going and it has now raised in excess of £150,000 overall. Donations from the appeal this year went to: Solway Sound, Nith Inshore Rescue, Dalbeattie Men’s Shed, Dumfries Day Centre and The Usual Place café. Janet said: “Lighting a bulb on our tree at Christmas in memory or in honour of a loved one while also supporting local charities is such a lovely project and we are very grateful to everyone who donated.”