A CHARD funeral directors has added £500 to their growing list of generous Christmas donations, fuelled by memories for loved ones.

This was the fifth year that Claire and Barry Gibbs, of B Gibbs Funeral Services, have run their memory tree.

The latest effort has taken their total amount raised above £3,000.

The fundraiser sees members of the public place a message of remembrance on the firm’s festive tree while making a donation to a chosen charity.

The inaugural event, held in 2014, saw money go to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Other beneficiaries have included Children’s Hospice Cancer Trust, St Margaret’s Hospice and Somerset MIND.

The latest memory tree was held in support of Somerset Sight, a charity working with visually impaired people across Somerset.

The £500 gift marks a strong start to 2019 Somerset Sight. The charity is also celebrating its 100th birthday this year.

Claire Gibbs said: “We raised a magnificent £300 and with the £200 from B. Gibbs Funeral services, Somerset Sight will receive £500.”

Talking about Somerset Sight, Claire added: “They provide immediate help and support to enable visually impaired people to lead a more independent life, giving them confidence to live independently, improve emotional wellbeing, to feel less isolated.

“The resource and rehabilitation unit at Northfield House, Taunton, is open Monday to Friday demonstrating and giving advice on the latest equipment available to the visually impaired.”

The charity is currently supporting over 3,000 people across the county.

For more, contact Somerset Sight on 01823 333818.