The Moderator of the General Assembly in 2024-5 said he was ‘completely astounded and deeply humbled’ by the response to his ‘Let Your Light Shine’ appeal.

£34,130 was raised in five months for the Very Rev Dr Shaw Paterson’s challenge, supplying solar-powered lights for Malawian students and a solar energy system for Zomba Theological University.

Dr Paterson said: “What began as a simple hope to bring light to those living in darkness has been met with a level of compassion and support that has far exceeded anything I imagined. Your kindness will not only transform lives in practical ways – it is also a powerful expression of love, solidarity, and faith in action.

“Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for standing with the young folk in Malawi. Your response has been a light to me too – reminding me of the goodness that shines when we act together.”