A RECORD-breaking £33,000 has been raised for Salisbury Hospice Charity in this year’s Christmas tree collection and recycling scheme.

Over the course of just three days, an incredible 1,530 Christmas trees were collected by 27 vehicles across a 15-mile radius.

Money raised will be used to support the vital end-of-life and palliative care services of Salisbury Hospice.

Salisbury Hospice Charity said it will donate 10% of the proceeds to two organisations – the Salisbury & South Wilts Scouts and Serve On, whose contributions to the community have been described as “invaluable”.

READ MORE: Salisbury Hospice Charity Summer Fair raises record-breaking £75,000

This record-breaking achievement has been credited to the “tireless” volunteers who worked around the clock to collect the trees.

“This achievement was made possible by the tireless efforts of volunteers from across the community, including many local businesses who generously donated their time, staff, and resources,” a Salisbury Hospice Charity spokesperson said.

The team collected trees from a 15-mile radius of the city Picture: Donald Capewell Photography

“The initiative has become a cherished community effort, bringing people and businesses together in support of Salisbury Hospice’s vital work.”

The funds raised will help the hospice continue to provide compassionate care and support for patients facing life-limiting illnesses – so that they may live well and die with dignity in a place of their choosing.

The hospice provides care to over 1,000 individuals annually, offering its specialised services free of charge. Care is delivered at the point of need to patients and their families—whether within the hospice, in the community, or in patients own homes.

Wood chippings from the collection will be used for animal food and bedding, mulch and footpath reinforcements for nearby farms and playgrounds.

“This recycling effort is only made possible by the generous support of local tree services,” a spokesperson added.

1,530 Christmas trees were collected in total Picture: Donald Capewell Photography

“Salisbury Hospice Charity is deeply grateful to everyone who registered their tree and extends special thanks to Sampson Coward, this year’s campaign sponsor.

“Your generosity and community spirit have made this year’s collection a resounding success.”

The charity would also like to offer special thanks to: JustHelping, Linden Van Hire, Weavers Wilton, Pizza Hut Fisherton Street, ServeOn, South Wilts Scouts, Tesco Extra Salisbury, Rose Farm Hurdcott, Newbourne Composting, Stump Grinders Tree Specialist, Mark Walsh Tree Services, Ockenden Tree

Services, Barefoot Barns, Nationwide Building Society, Breeze Environmental, Neil and Nick Smith Builder, Doccombe Global Logistics, Guyatts of Salisbury, Wessex Timber Windows, Clearite, Donald and Sarah Capewell, Boatwrights, Neil Smith Illustration and all the volunteers.