Lightning Fibre joins Eastbourne's MP and Mayor for Rotary Cheque Presentations to Local Charities
In December 2025, the annual Eastbourne Rotary Tree of Light returned to the forecourt of the Congress Theatre, and in February the cash raised was presented to six local charities.
As one of the sponsors, Lightning Fibre joined MP, Josh Babarinde, and Mayor, Cllr Margaret Bannister, for the celebratory tea and cheque presentation at SASBAH in Eastbourne's Old Town.
The Tree of Light is organised by the Eastbourne AM Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Eastbourne and the Hailsham Rotary Club. This long-standing community initiative (of 27 years) brings people together each Christmas to remember loved ones and raise funds for local charities.
Funds raised for local support
A total of £5,300 raised through the Tree of Light campaign was distributed to six local organisations, with each Rotary club president presenting funds to their chosen charities.
Five charities received £1,000 each:
- Holding Space, which has already supported around 1,400 parents/carers supporting children facing emotional and mental health challenges
- St Wilfrid’s Hospice, providing hospice care and community support.
- The Salvation Army, offering support to individuals across the town.
- SASBAH (Sussex Association for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus), supporting families with advice, activities and trips.
- Eastbourne Survivors, offering specialist support for people aged 16 and over who have experienced childhood sexual abuse.
In addition, The Old Bank Wellbeing Trust received £300. Based in a converted former bank building in Hampden Park, the trust delivers around 7,000 hours of counselling each year and helps more than half of its clients access reduced cost sessions. We're proud to provide some of their office space with free full fibre broadband.
Reflection at Christmas
The Tree of Light features hundreds of white lights, each dedicated in memory of someone special. For many families and individuals across Eastbourne, it offers a quiet opportunity for reflection during the festive season. Visitors are invited to dedicate a light and tie a ribbon in honour of loved ones, with all donations going directly to support local causes.
A dedication service, including music and readings, forms an important part of the event and provides a shared moment for the community. The Tree of Light is a staple part of Christmas for the Eastbourne community.
Champions of local causes
The presentation event was well attended by sponsors and supporters, along with the Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Margaret Bannister, and Eastbourne MP, Josh Babarinde.
Speaking at the event, Josh said "The Tree of Light and this event today is a great celebration of the generosity, commitment and passion of our community. I am very proud of the great people across Eastbourne." He highlighted the importance of inclusive and trauma informed support services, as well as how Eastbourne Survivors is close to his heart having experienced abuse himself.
Josh added "There is lots more work to do in Eastbourne and I am driving that in Parliament to support the town."
Lightning Fibre in the community
Emma Pearce, Head of Marketing at Lightning Fibre, said: “The Tree of Light continues to bring people together in a thoughtful and inclusive way. It was lovely chatting to Rotary volunteers today who are incredibly dedicated and give so much time to support our community.”
Lightning Fibre provides full fibre broadband to homes and businesses across East Sussex and surrounding areas. To find out more, call 01323 380260 between 8am and 8pm daily, visit the Enterprise Shopping Centre shop in Eastbourne Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, check availability using the postcode checker on our website, or email business@lightningfibre.co.uk for business enquiries.
