A Cumbrian hospice is hoping to benefit from local Christmas spirit as part of its eighth annual Christmas tree appeal.

Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland first launched the Christmas Tree Collection Appeal in 2016.

The appeal has grown year on year and has been well supported by a range of local businesses and volunteers who have dedicated their time and effort in collecting trees across the service area.

Last year £16,415 was raised with an increase in the average donation pledged, the total trees collected were over 1000. This really makes a difference as last year’s total equates to approximately 54 nights of care from a registered nurse providing respite support and resilience for carers.

The need for end of life care is increasing and Hospice at Home are passionate about fulfilling this role within the community.

Fundraiser Jenny Urwin has big aspirations for this appeal.

She said: “Christmas is a time of charitable giving to your community and those you love, and this appeal epitomises this. You get to enjoy a beautiful tree during the festive period, and then for a suggested donation of £15 we come and collect and dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way."

Jenny’s hope is to get over 1400 trees registered and she is asking for your help. Hospice care providers across the country have been faced with growing costs, whilst trying to cater to a growing need.

She added: "The demand for end of life care is growing. For us to meet this need and be sustainable, enabling us to provide free care and support, we need appeals like this to be a success. The majority of our funding comes from generous donations from our supporters and local community. We are so grateful for this support."

You can register your Christmas Tree for collection from November 15 until midnight on January 5 here. Collection will be taken place on either January 9 or January 10.