22 Nov Fred Smith brings Christmas cheer to St Helena Hospice
Christmas has come early at St Helena Hospice, thanks to a delivery of seven fir trees donated by local grower Fred Smith Christmas Trees.
Tim Smith, owner of the family business on Straight Road in Boxted, said:
“Our family has been supporting St Helena Hospice each year for over 30 years and will continue to do so. We like to support the Hospice as it is a wonderful asset to the area and provides a brilliant service.”
The Nordmann Firs ranging from 4ft to 7ft will be placed around the Hospice for patients and their visitors to enjoy, and at the Joan Tomkins Centre where people who attend for bereavement counselling and complementary therapies can view.
Niamh Eve, Hospice matron, said:
“We look forward to the trees arriving at the Hospice because it means Christmas has officially arrived!
“The lovely trees, generously donated by Fred Smith Christmas Trees, bring comfort to people staying with us in December as we try to make the atmosphere as homely as possible for patients. Sometimes children visiting a parent or grandparent will help decorate them which can be a welcome distraction for them.
“For our staff and volunteers too, the Christmas trees give a sparkle around the buildings, especially for the nurses and clinical support workers on a night shift when it’s cold outside.”
After the festive period, the trees will be recycled as part of the charity’s Tree-cycle scheme where people in postcode areas of CO1 to CO9, CO11 and CO13 to CO16 can register their real tree at www.sthelena.org.uk/treecycle23 to be collected in the New Year and recycled in exchange for a donation to St Helena Hospice.
