Press release posted 6 October 2025
The Christie Charity has unveiled its newly refurbished Tree of Hope, located in the peaceful garden at The Christie hospital in Withington. The Tree of Hope sculpture offers families, friends and supporters a meaningful way to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who are no longer with us, while also supporting life-changing cancer care and research.
As part of the refurbishment, the tree has been given a refreshed look with carefully restored bronze leaves, improved landscaping, and enhanced seating to create a more reflective space for visitors. The tree is open to visit all year round and has become a cherished place for many families to spend quiet moments remembering someone special.
For those who raise £15,000 or more in memory of a loved one, a bronze leaf engraved with the name of that person is placed on the Tree of Hope. To mark the occasion, a small private ceremony is held where family and friends gather to see the engraved leaf added to the tree and celebrate the life of a loved one who has been affected by cancer.
“The Tree of Hope means so much to so many,” said Louise Hadley, CEO of The Christie Charity. “It’s a symbol of love, hope and inspiration. Each leaf is in recognition and celebration of the life of a loved one. The tree represents the generosity and kindness of all those who support The Christie Charity.”
Among those attending a recent ceremony to mark the completion of the refurbished tree were Norman and Pearl Howell, with their daughter Jayne. They were remembering their daughter and sister Claire, who sadly died aged 33. Claire supported many fundraising efforts during her illness and left a generous gift in her Will to The Christie Charity, helping to support services and research that will benefit patients both now and in the future.
In Claire’s memory, Norman and Pearl (from Garstang, Preston) and Jayne (from central Manchester) took part in the 2025 Night of Neon 5K walking event and the 10K Walk of Hope in Tatton Park, supported by family and friends raising a substantial sum for The Christie Charity.
“Claire was such a kind and loving person,” says her sister Jayne. “She would have been amazed at all the fantastic fundraising her family and friends have done in her memory to help others who face the daunting challenge of cancer.”
Heath Connor and his daughters Heather and Jennifer who live in Swinton, also attended the ceremony in honour of their mum, Margaret Connor.
“Margaret was a formidable force who faced a 10-year battle with cancer head on and kept a smile on her face throughout,” explained her husband, Heath. “Before she died, Margaret had begun to organise a fancy-dress ball to raise funds to give back to The Christie Charity for all they had done to support us all with comfort, care and reassurance in difficult times.
Margaret made us promise we would continue her fundraising goals and learning from her strength and determination we became dedicated to raise as much as we could to honour her memory.”
“Our fundraising has included numerous Manchester to Blackpool bike rides, a Netherlands walking challenge, a ball and a quiz night which have all resulted in a leaf on The Tree of Hope, which is an enormous source of pride for our family. We are so grateful to all our friends and family who have supported us and Margaret throughout our entire journey, from organising and attending events, to digging deep in their pockets.
“To date, we have raised almost £18,000 and have plans for even more events.”
To support the work of The Christie Charity, please go to Donate today or ring 0161 446 3988.
The Christie Charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. This includes money for care and treatment, research, education, and extra patient services. Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families.