Grandmother brings joy to Webheath with memory tree for lost loved ones - The Redditch Standard

Grandmother brings joy to Webheath with memory tree for lost loved ones

Redditch Editorial 23rd Dec, 2020   0

A GRANDMOTHER has brought joy to Webheath by asking people to donate small gifts to a memory tree at the front of her drive.

It has become somewhat of a tradition for Heathfield Road resident, Finola Pearson, to decorate the tree at Christmastime.

But the 76-year-old wanted to do something different this year after seeing so many people ‘looking sad’ from the window of her home.

“I was wondering what was on their minds as they were walking into the post office,” said Finola who lost her husband John six years ago.




“I thought to myself: this year I will make it a memory tree for people who have lost their loved ones.”

A sign at the front of her drive, explaining to people what the memory tree is all about, has led to dozens of people getting involved.


Small gifts including baubles, bracelets, toys and objects with messages on have been put on the tree.

The Range in Redditch even donated the tree’s Christmas lights.

The grandmother of four, and mother of two, added: “It has been really touching. One person put a little baby sock on the tree which was so nice but of course, very sad to think about.

“To see so many people getting involved has filled me with joy and gives me so much peace.”

Finola used to decorate the tree every year with her husband until he passed away.

For a long time afterwards she couldn’t bear the thought of doing it without him and decided to put an end to the tradition.

But last year, after seeing how many school children walked past her house, she decided to give it another go.

She dusted off her old ladder, scaled the tree, and began decorating once again.

It was a huge success and, just like this year, has brought a smile to many who pass by.

Visitors to the Heathfield Road address will be able to put items on the memory tree until early January.

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