Readers can claim one of 5,000 trees to be planted in a dedicated woodland for Celebration Day, a new day of remembrance taking place on Sunday 28 May
The trees are exclusively available to Times readers, who can sign up to grow a tree in memory of a friend or family member at a site near Greater Manchester.
The campaign is backed by celebrities including Dame Judi Dench, Stephen Fry and Arlene Phillips.
A survey commissioned for Celebration Day found 72% of Brits would want to plant a tree in their loved one’s memory.
Each tree, to be planted in the autumn, has the potential to remove a tonne of carbon dioxide from the air over its life, as well as provide vital ecosystems for wildlife.
Joanna Sedley-Burke, 55, is one of thousands taking part in the campaign. She is dedicating a tree to her wife Paula, who died aged 45 of pneumonia. “At Paula’s funeral I gifted everyone a little pouch of forget-me-nots,” she said.
“Since then I have planted roses every year. The progression to planting a tree reflects my life and the roots in this new chapter.”
Commenting on the campaign, Dench said: “It’s no secret that I adore trees and I personally plant a tree every time a close friend or relative dies.
“I have a whole wood of friends and family. I love to see the tree grow in celebration of their lives and it provides a living legacy that brings back fond memories, as well as helping the environment.”
She added: “Trees are part of my extended family and I implore people to get involved on the May 28.”
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