A Macclesfield charity will benefit from a widower's Xmas tree sale in memory of her partner.

A Chelford woman is raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity by selling the Christmas trees that were grown by her late husband, who died from a glioblastoma brain tumour earlier this year. 

Gill Hughes is carrying out David's wishes by nurturing the 34,000 fir trees he planted four years ago and which are now ready to sell for the first time. 

All profits from the sale of the Christmas trees, as well as home-made wreaths, with the project aiming to support charities which helped David at the end of his life.

To benefit from the funds will be the national charity The Brain Tumour Charity, who provided Gill with eight weeks of free counselling after David passed away. 

Meanwhile, Macclesfield's East Cheshire Hospice will benefit by offering a Christmas tree recycling service where they collect trees, chip them and turn them into soil improver to sell. 

For more information about the Millbank Drive good cause and their festive tree recycling service, please click HERE.

David, who was 74, started having short term memory problems at the end of November 2022. He deteriorated over the next few weeks and had a brain scan on December 28 which identified several growths. 

He was admitted to The Christie Macclesfield on New Year's Eve and was diagnosed with very aggressive brain cancer - glioblastoma multiforme. He died on the 7th February 2023. 

It was only in the aftermath of David's death that Gill had the chance to seek information about his condition and get some support. 

She contacted The Brain Tumour Charity through its website and says she is so grateful for the help she received that she is determined to raise £10,000. 

Gill said: "I wouldn't be who I am today without the amazing counselling I had thanks to The Brain Tumour Charity. 

"My counsellor just gave me hope and said, 'those awful memories will fade'. I didn't believe her at the time but it's true. If you get the right support at the right time, life does go on. 

"I don't think people understand exactly what The Brain Tumour Charity does. Yes, it funds research but the support it offers is vital too and I'll be eternally grateful for it. 

"David had a good and full life. We'd travelled the world and had a great marriage. But there are kiddies getting this awful disease, and that's why I want to make a difference." 

The Christmas tree farm is opposite the Egerton Arms pub on Knutsford Road in Chelford, SK11 9BB, and is open this weekend.

It will be offering four varieties of pre-cut and pick your own trees, wreaths and festive refreshments. 

East Cheshire Hospice have been contacted for comment.

Luke Brightmore, Marketing Manager said: "Our Christmas Tree Collection is the biggest annual fundraising event in our calendar, with donations from people registering their tree having a huge impact on the Hospice and its services."

 "Moreover, purchasing a locally grown tree, then having it collected and recycled through our scheme is a great way to have a greener, and a more compassionate Christmas.

 "Support from local sellers really helps make a difference, and Gill's story is truly touching. We hope to be collecting many of David's trees come January."

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