‘Tree of Remembrance’ in Lisburn to honour loved ones

Gary Corkin, President of Lisburn Rotary Club (centre) pictured with some of the Lisburn Scout Group who are helping to man the 'Tree of Remembrance' during the run up to Christmas. (Front right) Rebecca Murray, 15, (front left) Kathryn Murray. (Back l-r) Johnny Simpson, Annie Taylor, Andrew Stacey, Matthew Murray and Ethan Simpson. Picture By Phil Smyth Photograph

The 18ft tree arrived on Friday and invites shoppers to remember their loved ones with a written message which is then tied to the tree with a ribbon as a simple and poignant acknowledgment that they will be missed at this festive time of year.

While there is no charge to leave a ribbon, but shoppers are invited to donate and the funds raised will be divided between a number of charities.

Councillor Thomas Beckett, Mayor of Lisburn, launched the initiative in a beautifully festive event which saw shoppers entertained by a Brass Quartet, performing many Christmas classics.

Pictured (l-r) are Niamh Mulholland, New President of Rowandale Rotakids, Councillor Thomes Beckett, Mayor of Lisburn, Gary Corkin, President, Lisburn Rotary Club and Skye Perry aged 8 from Lisburn. Picture By Phil Smyth Photograph

Gary Corkin, President of the Lisburn Rotary is excited about this charitable venture.

He said: “We have a number of events and projects which we support throughout the year but this project is one which I feel is particularly important.

“Christmas is such a busy time of year for us all and we simply hope that our tree will give those aching for a loved one a small amount of comfort while at the same time helping others.

“The tree will be in position and fully manned by a team of volunteers until the 23rd December, at which point we hope to have raised somewhere in the region of £25k.”

All involved in making the 'Tree of Remembrance' a success for the city of Lisburn. Picture By Phil Smyth Photograph

Funds raised by the ‘Tree of Remembrance’ will be divided up entirely between the following charities; Abaana, The Children’s Cancer Unit, Love for Life, Christians Against Poverty, and Tesco’s partner charities; Diabetes , Mencap and British Heart Foundation.

Tesco Representative, Fiona McVeigh is looking forward to hosting the tree at the Bentrim Road store.

She said: “This tree is a wonderfully festive project and we are delighted that we can work with Lisburn’s Rotary Club to make this happen, I believe shoppers will enjoy the poignancy and take time out to think of the real meaning of Christmas by supporting this very worthwhile cause.