A beautiful Memory Tree will be unveiled shortly at East Cheshire Hospice to honour lost loved ones.
Supporters are invited to dedicate a leaf engraved with a short message to someone special.
The metal sculpture will be easily accessible in a discreet location within gardens at the back of the Hospice on Millbank Drive.
The subscription cost is £10 a month, or £120 for a year.
The tree also marks the 35th anniversary of the charity which cared for its first patient in February 1988.
Employees from AstraZeneca, which has supported the Hospice throughout its history, have gifted the new memorial.
Some 400 copper, silver and bronze leaves are available and subscribers do not need a link to the Hospice.
Typical leaves for the Memory Tree.
Individual Giving Fundraiser Beth England said: “The Memory Tree is a wonderful way to leave a lasting tribute to the lives of those we wish to celebrate and remember.
“The tree can be reached without going through the main entrance. There is parking at the back of our building and visitors can come along at any time.
“There are benches and privacy, making it the perfect place to reflect and remember a loved one.
“The tree is there for family, friends and supporters and will raise vital donations to the Hospice. Each leaf can be inscribed with a short message if donors wish.
“Your leaf will remain on the tree for a year, at which point you can choose to either renew its place for a further year or we can return the leaf to you to treasure forever.”
Adult bereavement services manager Helen Wilkinson said: “The Memory Tree is a unique way of remembering lost loved ones.
From left, volunteer chaplain Chris Newton, chaplain Marion Tugwood, fundraisers Beth England and Amy Williams and adult bereavement services manager Helen Wilkinson at the Memory Tree launch at a soggy Starlight Walk.
“We all have our own way of looking back on the lives of those dear to us and the tree is a focal point in a lovely quiet setting. ”
Helen attended the Memory Tree launch at last month’s Starlight Walk, with chaplain Marion Tugwood and volunteer chaplain Chris Newton.
The walk attracted around 400 walkers, raising more than £27,000 for the charity.
* To sign up to the Memory Tree visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/memory-tree.
For queries, contact amy.williams@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 665688.
Back to all newsThank you so much for choosing to support East Cheshire Hospice. You may never know how much your gift means, but we know that it will make the world of difference to our patients and their families.
