Sudbury memory tree pays poignant messages of remembrance to lost loved ones in support of St Nicholas Hospice Care

Dozens of poignant messages in memory of lost loved ones have appeared on Sudbury’s first memory tree, following the launch of the new charity initiative.

The 15-foot-high tree in the Old Market Place was lit up in festive colours on Friday evening, as part of the annual Christmas Lights Switch-on event.

People have until December 16 to acquire a decoration featuring their own personalised message of remembrance, to be displayed on the tree over the Christmas period, in exchange for a donation to St Nicholas Hospice Care.

Teresa Elford, events co-ordinator and mayor’s secretary at Sudbury Town Council, who lost her husband five years ago, told the Free Press it was a very poignant project to be a part of, and she hoped it could become an annual fixture in the town in the future.

“I always thought this would be something good to do in Sudbury at Christmas time, she said. “It has been such an emotional project to do, because of the messages that have come in.

“I put one up for my husband, so it was quite poignant to me. You realise how many people have been affected by losing someone.”

She added that almost £500 has already been raised to St Nicholas Hospice Care since the memory tree scheme began.

Anybody who would like to have their memorial decoration displayed on the tree can do so by going online to www.stnicholashospice.org.uk/memorytree.

All those who donate will also receive a certificate in recognition of their support for the charity.