St Elizabeth Hospice and East Anglia's Children's Hospices raise nearly £10,000 in Christmas tree recycling scheme, collecting from Ipswich, Felixstowe, Stowmarket and more

A Christmas tree recycling scheme has shattered last year's total as it raised nearly £10,000 for people with life-threatening illnesses.

St Elizabeth Hospice and East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) teamed up to collect disused festive decorations from Ipswich, Felixstowe, Stowmarket and their surrounding areas between January 12 and 13.

Trees were exchanged for donations from supporters at their homes, businesses and organisations, which saw 780 trees recycled, and £9,713 raised in total – disposing of last year's £7,343.

Firms including Amazon, Palmer and Partners, Cadence and Medequip played a role.

Celia Joseph from St Elizabeth Hospice thanked everyone for their continued support.

She added: “It was brilliant to see such fantastic community support for the two hospices, which has led to a staggering amount being raised.

"These funds will make a big difference in helping both children and adults under the care of the two charities and we look forward to working with EACH again in the future.”

As well as staff, a team of volunteers collected trees from the supporters, and delivered them to Eastwood Tree Services in Coddenham, Trimley Sports and Social Club, Ipswich Golf Club and Deben Community Farm, near Woodbridge.

There the trees were recycled and turned into mulch, ready to be turned into other goods.

The team were even provided with free lunches by Rapid Relief.

EACH also ran tree-cycling schemes in Norfolk, including Diss, and Cambridgeshire.

It raised £23,000 across the three counties.

Alison Butler, EACH community fund-raiser for Suffolk and East Essex, noted the team were thrilled to have raised so much money.

The funds will be put to good use looking after people in need.

St Elizabeth Hospice looks after people with progressive or life-limiting illnesses, while EACH looks after children with life-threatening conditions.

Ms Butler added: “We’re eternally grateful to those who selflessly gave up their time to support us and our friends at St Elizabeth Hospice.

“This scheme is a perfect example of both fantastic collaboration and genuine community spirit.

"It was a pleasure to be involved.”