A CHRISTMAS tree collection scheme has raised more than £5,000 for charity.
Hundreds of trees have been recycled across Somerset, as part of a scheme to raise money for St Margaret's Hospice.
The charity teamed up with Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) to collect trees on Saturday, January 15 and Sunday, January 16 in return for a donation.
Teams of volunteers picked up trees from Taunton, Wellington, Yeovil, Bridgwater, Wells and Wiveliscombe.
Michelle Hancock, head of fundraising at St Margaret’s, said a 'massive thank you' to the people and businesses across the county who donated their time and vehicles.
“We were thrilled to offer a Christmas tree collection in Somerset for the first time this year and to be working with our friends, Children’s Hospice South West," she said.
"As well as our volunteers, a thank you to everyone who registered their tree for collection, the money raised will make a real difference in our community. We’re already looking forward to next year!"
Mary Gray, Taunton area fundraiser for CHSW, added: “There has been a fantastic response to our first ever ‘treecycle’ campaign and it’s been wonderful to turn so many old Christmas trees into much-need funds that will help make a huge difference to local children and families at the most difficult of times.
“We’d like to thank all the volunteers and businesses who generously donated their time and vehicles to help us collect the trees – we are very grateful for their support.”
The following businesses supported the Christmas tree collection: Avon Bulbs, Gibbins Richards, MB Tree Services, Milverton Sawmills, Dream Doors, Odd Job Burgess, Greenslades Grounds Maintenance, Renwick’s Removals, Rotary Club in Wells, Sedgemoor Tree Services, Small to Tall Gardens – Garden and Tree Service, Sodexo, Taunton & Wellington and Wiveliscombe Young Farmers, Yeovil Round Table, Amazon (#TogetherWithAmazon), Perry & Prouse, Monkton Elm Garden Centre, Tesco Yeovil, Glenmore Bakery, Williton, Sheppy’s, Pyne’s of Somerset, Langford Lakes and Taunton Racecourse.
For more than 40 years St Margaret’s Hospice Care has been helping patients, families and carers across Somerset facing a life-limiting illness.
To find out more visit st-margarets-hospice.org.uk.
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