The charity’s tree collection service visited areas including Southend, Castle Point, Rayleigh, Rochford, Hockley, and Canvey Island between January 10 and January 13.
Residents donated funds to support the hospice’s essential services in exchange for having their trees taken away.
These funds will be used to help people of all ages with incurable conditions by providing specialist care at Fair Havens and Little Havens hospices.
Support – Aron Lane, community fundraiser, with those from R.C Boreham and Co (Image: Havens hospices)
The initiative relied on the generous efforts of local businesses and volunteers who gave their time and vehicles to transport trees across hundreds of miles in three days.
The collected trees have since been turned into wood chippings by Essex Tree Services at no cost.
These chippings will be used in the gardens and grounds at Fair Havens and Little Havens, improving the outdoor areas for patients and their families.
Community engagement manager at Havens Hospices, Lucy Lock, said: “After five years of collecting trees across south-east Essex, this year was our biggest fundraiser to date and that is only thanks to the amazing support of our local community and volunteers.
“Those businesses who kindly volunteered their time during the frosty cold weather over the weekend included Walton Removals, R.C Boreham & Co, Marfell Plumbing, Daws Heath Timber, Transform PMS, Public Sewer Services, FedEx, Castle Point Gas, Tiger Business, Supply2Location, Deckchairs UK, Canvey Concrete Pumping, NLC Services, LAP Ceramics and Ruggles & Jeffery.
Charity – Havens hospices 2025 Christmas tree collection (Image: Havens hospices)
“A big thank you must also go to all those volunteers who helped unload the vans and handed out refreshments, including Oldham’s who provided free fish and chips as much-needed fuel.”
Ms Lock added: “Our care is free of charge, and that is only possible thanks to fundraising campaigns like this.
“If you have a van and would like to help us collect trees next year in January 2026, please get in touch – any support you can give will be greatly appreciated.”
For more on how you can support Havens hospices, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/events