Linthorpe Christmas Memory Tree helping people remember loved ones

The Linthorpe Christmas Memory Tree was the idea of community group the Friends of Linthorpe as part of the return of the Linthorpe Village Christmas.

The 10ft tree was paid for by group member Riaz Hameed in memory of his late brother Ramaz Hameed.

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A memory plaque was donated by Danny Dales of Co-op Funeral Care, with members of the community invited to hang a bauble on the tree in memory of someone they have lost.

There was also support from Middlesbrough Council's Streetscene Services team who pulled out all the stops to get the tree up and lit for the local community.

Linthorpe ward member Councillor Philippa Storey, who chairs the Friends of Linthorpe, said: "Christmas is a time to be with family and loved ones, but also a special time to remember those who are no longer with us.

"After nearly two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, that's more important than ever, so we wanted to create a focal point for the community to remember and celebrate those we've lost, and also to look to the future with hope.

"I'm really grateful to everyone who's contributed to the creation of such a special gesture - we really hope it will become an annual fixture."

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