Ribbons to remember

The annual memory tree has been put up in the plant centre at Otter Nurseries in Ottery St Mary and now needs to be decorated with plenty of colourful ribbons.

The beautiful fir tree gives families an opportunity to remember loved ones whilst raising funds for Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF), Otter Nurseries Charity of the Year.

Marketing Manager, Sabine Taylor said: “This is always a popular fundraiser, with many people taking the opportunity to buy a ribbon in memory of family, friends, or even a much-missed pet.

“It’s always lovely to see the tree change from being a bare fir tree to becoming festooned with red and gold ribbons, and handwritten messages.”

Ribbons cost just £1 for a red one, and £5 for a gold ribbon. Last year, the tree raised over £1,000 for Devon Freewheelers, helping to buy a new bike for the volunteer medical courier charity.

The team at Otter Nurseries is hopeful of topping that figure this year for ELF. “We’re supporting ELF’s major fundraising project, the Chevithorne Appeal, which is funding the building of a family suite at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where critically ill and end of life patients can spend time with their loved ones,” added Sabine.

Ribbons can be added until 24th December.