Talented Yorkshire woman's special tree tribute to raise money for NHS

Lynne Hodgkinson, 51, has been dressing a special tree throughout lockdown with a different theme to raise a smile among the community in Fenay Bridge, Huddersfield.

So impressed are local residents by the affectionately named happy tree, that some have been moved to tears and even taken to changing their daily exercise routines to walk past Lynne and admire her latest design.

Creations the florist of 30 years has so far displayed for the local community include an Easter tribute which had more than 200 eggs hanging from her apple tree.

After being inspired by Captain Tom Moore's exploits, which saw his charity challenge so far raise almost £30m to support the NHS, Lynne told The Yorkshire Post she made the decision to create a special design dedicated to the NHS.

"This is about giving back to the community and supporting the NHS," she said.

"Tom inspired me - what he has done is incredible and it shows what good you can do in the world if you put your mind to it.

"I love using this creative outlet and it's also cheering people up as they walk past and it's making them stop and talk.

"I have met so many lovely people and that is the best thing about it. It's been good for my soul."

Aided by her close friend and retired paediatric nurse Judy Nichols, the pair, while keeping social distancing, have adorned the tree with more than 600 blue and white ribbons and 60 hanging flower vases.

Judy, 55, who previously worked on the children's ward at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, said she was driven to do the project to show support to the NHS frontline in their fight against Covid-19.

"Those nurses and NHS staff at the moment are going through a really trying and difficult times, " she said.

"This has really given me a focus - and all of this is about raising money for NHS charities.

"What we've done is something feel good at a time when the whole world is not in a good place."

Miss Hodgkinson hopes to raise at least £500 for My Hospitals Charity and The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust and intends to add thousands more during the coronavirus lockdown with future designs.

"I want it to be the tree that always keeps on giving," she said.

Already in the pipeline are plans for a special VE Day anniversary tribute for May, followed by a commiseration Wimbledon design aimed to cheer up sporting fans after the popular tennis event and British institution was officially called off this summer.

"I'm going to be very busy up and down those ladders," said Lynne.

"While we're still in isolation, it would be quite nice to dress it every month so that the local community can enjoy just a little bit of happiness coming down our lane."

Miss Hodgkinson creative efforts appear to be paying off as the happy tree has caused much attention in the local area.

Angela Hall, a local Fenay Bridge resident, said: "Everyone is asking "have you seen the tree at the bottom of Spa bottom?"

"It brightens up your day and I now take a detour off my usual walk to come and look at the tree."

Pamela Norton, who walks past daily with her husband, added: "It's just such a lovely idea it really makes you smile and looks so beautiful."

Usually at this time of year Lynne, the founder of Stems Designs, would be busy preparing elaborate floral designs for weddings, however her attention is now concerned to raising as much money as possible to her chosen NHS charity.

"I saw all the good Captain Tom has done and thought 'I can do something good too,'" she said.

"He has raised all that money for charity and I want to do my bit as well.

"I love to see the tree making people happy.

"It would be lovely if it could take off like Captain Tom Moore and have people looking forward to the next instalment of the tree's adventures."

Despite the happy tree's popularity, Miss Hodginson has urged people not to make unessential trips to see her, and instead follow her Instagram account showing the tree's different set ups, which can be followed here.To donate visit Stem's Happy Tree fundraising page here. Join our new coronavirus Facebook group for the latest confirmed news and advice as soon as we get it www.facebook.com/groups/yorkshirecoronavirus

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