THE daughter of a Woofer killed abroad plans to honour her father's memory by getting involved in a Christmas campaign.

Today is the anniversary of the death of Anita Sanderson's father, Stan Harvey, who died in 1945 near the River Kwai, Burma, while serving with the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters.

Anita, 66, who never knew her father, visited his grave in Rangoon for the first time in 1998, describing the occasion as "the most wonderful experience of her life". She was able to make the trip after winning £24,000 in a bingo competition.

Now she has decided to mark his memory by sponsoring a lamp in the Rotary Club of Derby's Trees of Light appeal.

Anita, of Shannon Square, Chaddesden, said: "My father never came home. He died just before the end of the war.

"I only know what he was like through what his friends have said. They have told me he liked cricket and football.

"I couldn't believe it when I won the bingo and could go and see his grave. The place where he was buried is absolutely beautiful and seeing it was such a wonderful experience."

The Trees of Light appeal offers people the chance to sponsor a light on the Christmas tree in Derby's Market Place for a minimum donation of £5. This can done in memory of a relative or friend.

The sponsored lights will be turned on as part of Derby City Council's Big Switch-on event on Saturday, November 15.

Anita, whose husband, Derek, died six years ago, said: "Buying a light is my way of letting my father know that I still love him. If I've ever had any problems in my life, I like to think my father is watching and giving me guidance."

All money raised by the appeal, which is being supported by the Evening Telegraph, will go to good causes, including the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre in Skegness, the Heart of Derby Appeal and the Mayor of Derby's charities.

John Cheadle, chairman of the Rotary Club's community services committee, said: "We've taken more than £500, which is brilliant, but we're looking to get much more, so people need to keep donating."

For more information about the appeal, call Mr Cheadle on 07740 958596 or e-mail john cheadle666@btinternet.com.

To sponsor a light, complete the coupon and send it with your donation to Rotary Club of Derby, PO Box 7692, Derby, DE1 0RB, or visit www.justgiving. com/derbyrotaryclub.