Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

HOSPICE LAUNCHES 'LIVING MEMORY TREE 'APPEAL

The League of Friends of the John Taylor Hospice in Birmingham is launching a ‘Living Memory Tree’ Appeal to raise funds for patients.

The public will be offered the opportunity to remember a loved one by planting their own Christmas Tree in a pot or garden, for future generations to enjoy.

The appeal was launched by Zena Broadbent of Walmley in Sutton Coldfield near Birmingham - a supporter of the Hospice - whose mother died at the Hospice in September 7 years ago.

At the launch, she said,
“The staff were fantastic to my mum and I am delighted to be able to help the Hospice by launching this appeal. I think that it’s a great idea to be able to celebrate someone’s memory by planting a living tree that could continue to grow for many decades.”

Ray Woods, Marketing and Fundraising Officer for the Hospice added,

“The trees are Norwegian Spruce – otherwise known as the classic Christmas tree. The tree comes in its own mailing tube. They can be planted in pots or in a garden – but they can grow very high over long periods of time if left unchecked!

We are expecting delivery in late October/early November and we are asking for a minimum donation of £10 which includes the costs of the trees and also postage and packing. They can therefore be delivered in time for Christmas. Any surplus will be retained for the benefit of patients.

We can include a laminated tag to be attached to the tree in memory of a loved one and we can despatch them to any nominated address in the UK.”

Further details of the appeal are available via the League of Friends website www.johntaylorhospicelof.org.uk or by ringing Ray Woods on 0121 373 2440.

The Hospice covers a population of over 400,000 in central, north and eastern Birmingham including Sutton Coldfield and adjacent areas. It consists of a day hospice – that treats over 2,500 patients per year, together with an inpatient unit. Staff also undertake bereavement support and over 6,500 home visits per year.


Note Zena's mother died on 1st September.

Issued by Ray Woods, Marketing and Fundraising Officer, League of Friends of the John Taylor Hospice.

Contacts:

Ray Woods
Tel: 07967 686230

Zena Broadbent
Tel: 079707 48966.