A new tree was planted at Macclesfield Hospital on Monday.

It serves as both a recognition of the hard work of NHS workers during the pandemic, and for Queen Elizabeth II in her 70th year on the throne.

A small socially-distanced ceremony of ten people were there to celebrate the planting of the new tree.

Macclesfield Town Councillor for Central Ward, Cllr Janet Jackson MBE explained how the idea came to be.

"This was first put to me by one of my residents," she said.

"With an idea to give Freedom of the Town to members of the hospital. Maybe ICU staff dealing on the frontline of COVID.

"We began to pursue that and it was very difficult to select an organisation for Freedom of the Town.

"It was decided we would give that award to the hospital and tie it in with The Jubilee and the Queen's Green Canopy.

"It is a real thank you to everyone who works at the hospital no matter what they do. Every member is so important. Thank you."

Macclesfield Town Council Ranger Andy McKeith described the tree as ones that "bees will love".

"It flowers in the spring time and berries in the autumn time," he said.

"It is also popular with robins, blackbirds, and thrushes."

Present on behalf of Macclesfield District General Hospital were Brian Green, Deputy Director of Nursing and Quality at East Cheshire NHS Trust, Ged Murphy, Acting Chief Executive at East Cheshire NHS Trust, and Lynn McGill, Chairman at East Cheshire NHS Trust.

Lynn McGill, Chairman at East Cheshire NHS Trust, said; "We are delighted with the presentation of this very special Mountain Ash tree from Macclesfield Town Council.

"A thank you to the trust for our work in response to the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years, this tree will also stand as a lasting commemoration to all those who have very sadly lost their lives as a result of Coronavirus.

"Now planted at Macclesfield Hospital alongside the duck pond, next to seating, this tree offers a sanctuary for reflection and peace where staff, patients and visitors alike will be able to see this Mountain Ash thrive and grow.

"I am very pleased that it will be included in the Council's tree planting programme as part of Her Majesty The Queen's Green Canopy initiative to mark her Platinum Jubilee."

Macclesfield Mayor and Tytherington ward Councillor David Edwardes revealed the sign and finished off planting latest tree in honour of Her Majesty.

"A man stopped me in Mill Street the other day. 'Please thank the Town Council for planting the tree outside The Rowans Care Home [of Merriden Road]'," David said.

"It was to remember all those who suffered or died from Covid. As an afterthought he added, 'I'm a nurse'.

"It made me stop and think. Here HE was thanking US. The nurses, the doctors, the cleaners... everyone at the Hospital have worked so selflessly, so tirelessly.

"They have worked ridiculously long hours. Certainly early in the pandemic they risked their lives going into the great unknown in the battle against Covid with the continual fear of contracting the disease themselves.

"We, Macclesfield Town Council, salute and thank everyone at the Hospital on behalf of the Residents of Macclesfield.

"We plant this tree as a very small token of our appreciation and love for you all. Thank you."

The new tree has been planted at Macclesfield District General Hospital, near the duck pond, and is a two minute walk from The Christie Macclesfield.

It plays a small part of East Cheshire NHS Trust's green programme.

See Also: Macclesfield's Park Lane School is latest to receive a Jubilee Tree

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