WYRE forest charity KEMP Hospice is sending its heartfelt thanks to the community in response to their annual tree collection and recycling event - which has raised more than £13,000.

Donations from residents, and generous volunteers who gave their time and equipment to support the event, helped to secure the "incredible amount" for the hospice charity after collecting 539 Christmas trees this January.

Steffi Price, who manages the annual tree collection and recycling campaign said: “We couldn’t have raised it without the support of our local community and over 40 volunteers working tirelessly to collect and chip the trees.

"The £13,259.44 total raised could help to cover the cost to run our day hospice for around 1.7 weeks, giving our patients physical, emotional and social support to help them live as well as they can.”

"KEMP’s Day Hospice sits at the heart of their care and offers specialist person-centred support to those living with a life-limiting illness. Steffi continues “Our events are essential to help us raise the funds needed to continue to provide our services. We never charge for our care, so every penny raised really does have an impact in the Wyre Forest community”.

The tree collection marks the end of a special festive fundraising period for the Hospice, which included their brand-new event, Santa Skydive, the hugely popular Santa Fun Run, Rudolph Run activities, Christmas Hamper raffles and their annual Light Up a Life event.

Jayne Sargeant, head of fundraising & communications at KEMP Hospice said: “So many people are facing challenges right now, but to see the support our local community has shown is overwhelming. Every pound raised and every minute of time given as a volunteer really does have a positive impact for those who need our care and support services.”