Tree-mendous support from the Tree Agency and Mortlake Crematorium
We want to thank the Tree Agency and Mortlake Crematorium who went out of their way to offer their support and services to help make our first Christmas Tree Collection a huge success.
In January, we offered a special Christmas tree collection service, in exchange for a donation, with the Tree Agency and Mortlake Crematorium helping collect and recycle the trees of those who signed up for the service within the Borough of Richmond.
The Tree Agency, based in Teddington, provides an expert, professional and qualified arboriculture, and horticultural service, for domestic, private, and commercial clients. Darryl Parkin, the owner, Barry Sawyer and Steve Budd have all previously got involved with our Santa Cycle to raise funds and deliver presents. They all dressed up as Santa and delivered presents to the children at the hospices.
Once again, they kindly volunteered their time and expertise, to collect the trees over the weekend and chip them at Mortlake Crematorium, who they have worked with previously.
Mortlake Crematorium has also had a close link with Shooting Star Children’s Hospices for many years. Natasha Bradshaw from Mortlake Crematorium, said, “We think the work Shooting Star Children’s Hospices do to support families who have a child with a life-limiting condition is exceptional. The hospice also supports grieving families who have used our crematorium. We have a unique babies and children’s memorial garden, based on the story Water bugs and Dragonflies which is a haven, and a special place for those grieving to remember the child who has died.”
A derelict part of the garden at the crematorium was transformed into the memorial space. All those that worked on the project were passionate and proud of their contribution; many of them had been touched by the loss of a child in some way.
Natasha added, “We joined forces with Shooting Star Children’s Hospices as each donation will help them to continue their work. In the festive season, for those who had their tree collected, helps us all to keep in mind that some families missed someone very special at Christmas.”
We couldn’t continue to provide the vital care we do without the support of our local community and businesses, like the Tree Agency and Mortlake Crematorium. Find out more ways you and your business could support your local children’s hospice here.
