FUNDRAISERS are hoping Christmas cheer and good wishes can raise money for a hospice this year.
The Butterwick Children's Hospice Tree of Life was unveiled in the Cornmill Shopping Centre, Darlington, yesterday.
Last year, £6,000 was raised for the hospice, in Stockton, by people who made donations and signed cards on the tree.
Hospice fundraiser Ray Laidler said: "People can come along, make a donation and just write a message, either a Christmas message, thanking someone they love, or for someone who is sadly no longer with them.
"Little children come round and just put a little cross on and put it on the tree."
The tree, opposite the Index store, was officially launched by the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Dot Long, and Mary Butterwick, the hospice's founder and life chairman, gave her blessing.
Children from Dodmire primary school, in Darlington, sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas, as well as their award-winning Hymn for the Millennium.
The song won a competition organised by The Northern Echo, Darlington Civic Theatre and All Saints' Church in Hurworth, beating competition from all over the region.
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