Fundraising page for a memorial tree to loved-ones lost in the Covid-19 pandemic has been set up by a Hemel woman

A woman from Hemel Hempstead is raising money to create a memorial tree dedicated to those lost during the coronavirus pandemic.

Margaret Sharp who raised money for a stroke ward at Hemel Hempstead in 2000, wants to create a safe place for families to have a moment of reflection.

She has set up a fundraising page with her granddaughter to help raise money for the project.

Margaret said: "We are calling for everyone in the community, local businesses and all to get involved and help raise money to buy this memorial tree.

"As a carer’s ambassador for Carers In Hertfordshire, I lost friends, neighbours, colleagues and people from the community that I had known and supported for over 20 years.

"It broke my heart to know that so many families were unable to say a proper goodbye to their loved ones because of the lockdown restrictions.

"During the first lockdown I had an idea that would involve the Dacorum community getting together to raise money for a memorial tree.

"A safe place where families and individuals can go in a moment of reflection to remember those they lost, I felt like I should do something.

"I have been speaking to our local MP, who has been supportive of the work I've done since the start, and the council, who have found possible two sites for the tree to go.

"The memorial tree will be a place for people to go to remember their loved ones.

"We have got £700 already, I have been to a number of local businesses, who have been supportive of the project, and now we are appealing for help from the public.

"We are not asking for people to break the bank as we understand that a lot of people will be having financial difficulties of their own, if all you can spare is £1 then you are already a hero for supporting your community."

The money raised on the crowdfunding page is to purchase the memorial tree, and its upkeep. They are also hoping to buy a special plaque for the tree and if there is any spare money left over, they would also like to purchase a bench if there is adequate space. If that’s not possible they would like the money to go into a similar community project within Dacorum.

If you have any thoughts about other projects contact Margaret and Jasmyn on the project's Facebook page.

Jasmyn Saunders said: "I wanted to help her and add a bit of a younger way of fundraising, she's very old school and has been round to contact businesses and is raising money that way.

"I said to her you might be able to make more people aware by creating a fundraising page online, so that's what we've done.

"It's all her idea, I just wanted to help her in some way with this amazing project.

"We're hoping to raise the money by the summer, as the trees we have been looking at need to be planted in the winter.

"It's a difficult time for many people, but we just want to raise as much as possible to create a peaceful space for people to visit and remember their loved ones."