Christmas wishing tree unveiled in Northumberland Heath

A 12ft Christmas tree adorned with baubles and wishes from the community was unveiled at Heathfield Court Care Home in Northumberland Heath this week.

Around 400 baubles, many with accompanying wishes were donated by the community to decorate the home’s tree, encouraged by collection boxes and posters placed by the home in Wilkinsons, Morrisons, the Ormay Chemist, Buds of May, Crumbs Bakers, LJ’s Sandwich Shop, Morgan’s Greengrocers and the Utopia Nail Salon.

Wishes included Olivia, the daughter of senior carer Sam, who wished for “everyone to have someone at Christmas and for there to be kindness across the world”, whilst five-year-old Eva, niece of lifestyles assistant Layla Holroyd wished “to meet all of the Mario characters”.

Residents Liz Conneally and Jean Kallagher placed the final baubles on the tree before the winter wonderland’s lights were officially turned on after a rapturous countdown by residents, their families and the home team.

Resident Liz Conneally places the last of 400 baubles on the tree.

Darren Tobin, Chief Executive of the home’s chosen charity, Crossroads Care South East London which supports carers and older people in the local community, then cut the tree’s ribbon and the festivities began. A raffle was also held during the event with proceeds boosting existing fundraising money from the home, which will be donated to the charity in the new year.

The gathering, on Wednesday evening (1st December), was serenaded with Carols by the Northumberland Heath Family Church choir with everyone joining in whilst enjoying mulled wine, hot chocolate and homemade mince pies.

Home manager Gina Kitchenham said: “What a fantastic reaction to our appeal for baubles and wishes from our local community! It’s made us all feel – residents and my amazing team alike – so much part of the wonderful Northumberland Heath community – thank you all so much!”.

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