LOROS Hospice is inviting people to nominate their local heroes and see them honoured with an engraved leaf on a beautiful new tree sculpture.
The initiative comes thanks to a generous donation to the hospice in memory of Kate Newman, who lived on the Wykin Estate in Hinckley. When she died in 2022, her local community fundraised in her memory, raising £15,000. They were also supported by Morrisons in Hinckley, where Kate worked for many years, and its staff and customers.
The funds raised are being used to fund some extra special leaves on a new bespoke tree sculpture, the LOROS Tree of Life, to reward local heroes like her.
Karen Connolly, who was a good friend of Kate and helped spearheaded the fundraising effort said: “Kate was a real character, a very special lady, who touched the lives of so many people. Everyone who knew her loved her.
Lorraine Cheshire, another close friend, added: “We wanted to do something to continue Kate’s legacy and recognise how important people like her are to their communities.”
Laura Betts, Fundraising Manager at LOROS said: “We are delighted to be able to support Karen and her friends to honour their great friend Kate. Our Tree of Life is a beautiful, new sculpture, where people can come to remember their loved ones. Celebrating local people who give back to their community, just like Kate did, is a lovely way to pay tribute to her.
“We’re very much looking forward to reading the submissions and picking some worthy winners. So, if you know someone who gives so much to their local neighbourhood and deserves a little recognition – we want to hear from you!”
Nominations open on Monday 12th February in four categories:
· Inspirational young person
· Outstanding group
· Good neighbour
· Dedicated carer
To enter, visit loros.co.uk/KatesWish and tell us in no more than 250 words why your nomination is a local hero. Nominations are open until Friday 22nd March 2024.
The winners will be invited to a special event in the spring to see their leaves unveiled.
