EVEN though St Luke's was unable to collect Christmas trees this year, wellwishers continued to offer support.

The hospice is delighted to announce that more than £20,000 has been raised for patient care as many residents did not ask for their money back.

To meet Covid social distancing regulations, the hospice took the difficult decision to cancel the annual collection in January.

Andy Bailey, corporate partnerships manager at St Luke’s Hospice, said that the safety of volunteers was the priority.

Andy said: “Our annual tree collection is a mammoth logistical effort, involving over 100 volunteers in 30 vans collecting around 3,000 trees over two days.

"The restrictions on people from different households mixing meant that we simply couldn’t find a practical way to manage the collection, so with deep regret we were forced to pull the plug this year.”

Despite the cancellation, the local community stood by the hospice, with only a small number of people asking for a refund.

Andy added: “I’d like to thank everyone that chose not to ask for their donations back. It goes without saying that with our charity shops still closed and our events programme on hold, we need every pound right now.

" I would also like to thank our long term sponsors, Redrow Homes, for their support too.”

Sarah Weaver, marketing manager at Redrow NW, said: “As a responsible homebuilder committed to sustainability, we love the idea of the hospice recycling Christmas trees each year to raise much-needed funds while providing materials for local country parks.

"Unfortunately, as with many other fundraisers, it couldn’t happen this year but the fantastic work of the team at St Luke’s has continued throughout the pandemic.

"We’re proud to be a long-term supporter of such a vital community asset and very much hope to see the service operating in its usual successful way next year.”