The appeal, launched last month, raises funds for Leeds hospices St Gemma's in Moortown and Sue Ryder Care Wheatfields in Headingley.

Thousands of pounds have flooded into the YEP offices and there are only a few days left to add your contribution.

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This year's appeal has already raised almost £10,000 and hundreds of lights will shine in memory of a loved one.

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The lights, provided by The Light shopping centre, will take pride of place on a special 25-foot Christmas tree erected by Leeds City Council parks department at the St Anne's Gardens entrance.

They will be shine during a special remembrance event on December 9 from 6pm in the centre.

To mark the illumination of the lights a brass band and choir will perform around the tree, donated by Yorkshire Water.

There will also be free mince pies and mulled wine for guests served from 5.30pm.

The names of those remembered will also be listed on a Roll of Honour which will stand in the courtyard of the centre, on the Headrow, until the end of the Christmas period.

Editor of the YEP Paul Napier said: "I am delighted with the response to this year's Light Up A Life Appeal.

"Our readers really seem to have taken it into their hearts as a way to remember their loved ones at Christmas.

"Our hospices provide an extremely important service for the community
and we are very pleased to be able to support them in this way."
Last year 1,200 lights were lit in memory of loved ones, raising a record £12,222.

To make sure that your loved one is featured on the Roll of Honour donations and messages need to arrive at the YEP no later than December 2.

The last of the donations will be acknowledged in the Light Up A Life column next Saturday.

To sponsor a light, send a donation to: The Editor's Secretary, Yorkshire Evening Post, Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 1RF. Cheques should be made out to YEP Half and Half Appeal.