Between January 9th and 12th, the charity’s tree collection service visited households in Southend, Castle Point, Rayleigh, Rochford, Hockley, and Canvey Island, collecting trees in exchange for donations to support essential hospice services.

These funds will directly impact those of all ages living with incurable conditions, offering specialist care at Fair Havens and Little Havens Hospices.

This initiative was only made possible through the generous efforts of local businesses and volunteers, who donated their time and vehicles to transport trees across hundreds of miles over the course of three days.

This year’s collections were kindly sponsored by Province of Essex, and all the trees collected have now been turned into wood chippings for free by Essex Tree Services to be reused in the gardens and grounds at Fair Havens and Little Havens, to enhance the outdoor areas which families enjoy.

Lucy Lock, Community Engagement Manager at Havens Hospices, said: “After six years of collecting trees across South East Essex, this year was our biggest fundraiser to date, raising over £15,000, and that’s only thanks to the amazing support of our local community and volunteers.

“Those businesses who kindly volunteered their time during the cold weather over the weekend included Daws Heath Timber, Supply 2 Location, Rock It Inflatables, R.C. Boreham & Co, Canvey Concrete, FedEx, Waltons Removals, Ruggles & Jeffery, Province of Essex, Billet Auto Sales, Abbey Pipework Fabricators, LAP Ceramics and Oldham’s, who provided delicious fish and chips for everyone helping.

“Our care is free of charge, and that’s only possible thanks to fundraising campaigns like this. With demand for our care increasing, it’s never been more important to support Havens Hospices – we must raise more than £208,000 each week to be there for everyone who needs us.

“If you have a van and would like to help us collect trees next year in January 2027, please get in touch – any support you can give will be greatly appreciated.”

For more information on how you can support Havens Hospices, including upcoming fundraising events and challenges, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/events

Published on 13th January 2026