West Midlands Christmas tree recycling raises record sums

Charities across the West Midlands raised hundreds of thousands of pounds through Christmas tree recycling schemes despite disruption from Storm Goretti, with Birmingham Hospice reporting £153,000 raised from its collection.

Charities across the West Midlands ran Christmas tree recycling schemes that offered kerbside collections in return for suggested donations. Collected trees were shredded and reused as biomass, compost or chippings. Collections were delayed in places by Storm Goretti, snow and icy conditions, but many charities reported record results and thanked their volunteers and supporters. Key figures: - Birmingham Hospice said more than 6,200 residents together raised £153,000 and that over 7,000 trees were collected with help from about 250 volunteers. - Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust in Worcester picked up 956 trees and raised more than £19,350, a 57% increase on the previous year. - Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove reported collecting about 1,200 trees and raising more than £17,500 with 40 volunteers. - St Giles Hospice in Lichfield reported raising more than £100,000, its most successful year to date. - Compton Care in Wolverhampton reported collecting about 1,300 trees and raising £25,000 as collections concluded. - Katharine House Hospice in Stafford collected about 780 trees and raised £17,000 to support its services. Summary: These recycling drives produced substantial funds that charities say will support hospice and specialist services, and organisers highlighted the role of volunteers despite difficult weather. Undetermined at this time.