EIGHT-year-old fundraiser Kaden Dugmore marked the beginning of a charity appeal when he switched on the lights on the Tree of Remembrance in Poole.

The little boy was chosen for the honour after raising £1,700 for Forest Holme Hospice by taking part in the Bournemouth Marathon Festival in memory of his "hero daddy" Karl, who passed away at the hospice aged 39 earlier this year.

The charity has once again partnered with the Dolphin Shopping Centre, which has provided a tree situated outside Marks & Spencer for three weeks during the run up to Christmas for the Light Up A Life appeal.

Paul Tucker, fundraising and communications manager at Forest Holme, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to have Kaden turn on the lights – he is an incredible little lad and an absolute inspiration. We also want to thank the Dolphin Shopping Centre for supporting us with the tree his year. It is very special to have it back in the heart of Poole and the location means that shoppers and visitors can easily make a dedication for a loved one.

"Christmas can be a difficult time for those who have lost someone special, so our tree is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of those who are sadly no longer with us, irrespective of whether they were cared for by Forest Holme or not.”

Forest Holme Hospice provides end of life care and support to more than 1,000 people each year with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck.

Last year the tree raised almost £4,000 for the charity, which needs to find at least £850,000 each year to help enhance the NHS provision at the hospice and ensure Forest Holme is there for patients and their family and friends during the most difficult time of their lives.

Volunteers will be at the Dolphin Shopping Centre daily (excluding Sundays) from 10.30am to 3.30pm until December 18, with a stall selling hospice Christmas Cards and merchandise. There will also be entertainment on selected days.