A Sheffield Christmas Tree recycling scheme has raised over £100,000 in seven years for the Children’s Hospital Charity, with plans to expand further.
Organisers Mitchel Ingham and Joel Berry helped raise £26,563 by collecting over 3,000 trees this Christmas. They have been working with the charity since 2018, this year coordinating with the community fundraising officer Romy Heritage-Willis.
The pair, who are self-employed tree and landscaping professionals, had taken over from previous organiser Alan Powell.
The scheme has risen in popularity with just £1,100 raised in the first year.
Mr Berry, 38, from Berry’s Trees and Gardens Ltd, said: “It’s just snowballed. We’ve basically donated over £100,000 since we started doing it.
“It’s pretty nuts really when you think about the amount of difference that makes to children’s lives.”
Mr Berry got involved after his friend Mr Ingham, 34, contacted him. As a child Mr Berry had broken his leg and left hip, and spent time recovering in the hospital which left him with ‘a sense of loyalty’.
It was his third year fundraising when one of his twin daughters was diagnosed with a rare condition, which led to a quick decline in health and extended periods of time spent in the hospital. This also strengthened his resolve to fundraise.
One of the biggest challenges this year was the heavy snowfall from the 3 – 5 January when the trees were being collected, which delayed the shredding process.
The shredding takes place on Aberdeen Road in the Tesco overflow car park, where the contractor HW Martin donates a tractor and industrial shredder to break down the Christmas trees.
Last year the money generated from the fundraiser went to The Children’s Hospital Charities’ ArtPlus, which is a charity-run service providing creative workshops and activities for staff and patients. Community fundraising officer Miss Heritage-Willis, 27, said the fundraising has a ‘huge impact’.
She said: “To say that we raised £26,563 this year is absolutely incredible and we’re so grateful for everyone out there that uses the service that Joel and Mitch provide.
“I’m also grateful for Joel and Mitch themselves, because without them, this service wouldn’t happen.
“We’re able to fund some amazing things at the hospital. And without Joel and Mitch, we’d be unable to do some of those things.”
There are plans to continue the fundraising next year.
