Each year, the Trees are manned entirely by volunteers and attract hundreds of visitors; raising around £6,000 each year for Alice House, which provides specialist care for patients and families affected by incurable illnesses.

Kevin Boffy CEO of Evolution Risk Assurance was motivated to sponsor following the death of his brother-in-law’s sister, Jemma Duggan, earlier this year; Jemma had received care at Alice House.

Representatives of the firm recently visited the Trees;  Kevin’s wife Hayley was accompanied by Jemma’s son – Jack Duggan, his Nanna and Aunty – Kay Duggan who placed a bauble on a tree in her memory.

The Duggan family sent the following message “Over the summer, our family had to see someone we loved very much go through end of life care, at the age of 40 after a hard fight with cancer. Jemma was able to spend her last days in Alice House and so far as anyone can, the staff helped to make her time there not only comfortable, but happy. Every member of staff was warm, friendly, helpful and supportive – not just to Jemma but to all of her family and friends. Even now, they are still involved in supporting her son, Jack. We are so lucky to have a place like Alice House in Hartlepool and we should treasure it.”

Greg Hildreth, Corporate Fundraiser at Alice House said “On behalf of everyone at Alice House, I would like to express our most sincere thanks to all of our sponsors, volunteers and visitors to the Trees. It is poignant to see so many people fondly remembered, particularly in such a way that helps to support future patients and their families. I would also like to thank the family and friends of Jemma for their support and extend my sincere condolences for their loss.”