Christmas tree recycling raises thousands for charity

Over the first weekend in January, a team of volunteers met at the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity centre in Hatfield Peverel.

Volunteers collected Christmas trees for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity (Image: Helen Rollason Cancer Charity)

Following tea and bacon rolls, they set off to collect Christmas trees in exchange for donations to the charity.

Almost 800 trees were collected, and then delivered to sites around the county where they were shredded and recycled.

Zoe Jay, head of fundraising at Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, said: "It was a great achievement.

"We would like to thank everyone who gave a donation and the amazing volunteers and local businesses that supported us.

Nearly 800 trees were collected (Image: Helen Rollason Cancer Charity)

"More than 20 vans were collecting around Essex, and we are so grateful to those that volunteered as drivers and helpers to pick up the trees.

"We would also like to thank the local businesses that supported us including Beachenlea for shredding the trees, Amazon, Group 1 Audi, Herd Hire, Group 1 Volkswagen and Just Wheels for providing vans, New Hall School, Museum of Power, and Marsh Farm for use of their sites."

The collection raised around £15,000 for the charity, which will help support local people living with cancer.

Darren Thompson, franchise director for Group 1 Volkswagen - the headline sponsor for the campaign - said: "Here at Group 1 Volkswagen, we have a long-standing relationship with the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity and have supported a number of events and sponsorships.

Volunteers collected Christmas trees for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity (Image: Helen Rollason Cancer Charity)

"The Christmas Tree Recycling Campaign is another great example of working in and around the local community to help raise money for a good cause, in which we are delighted to be a part."

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A spokesman from supporting partner Marsh Farm said: "We wanted to support Helen Rollason Cancer Charity as it's a local charity that does amazing work within the community with people affected by cancer.

"We wanted to boost awareness especially over the festive period."

The fundraising team is now turning its attention to future events, including the Ride for Helen cycle ride, Rural Ramble, Open Gardens and the summer vintage fairs.

Details will be published on the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity website.