Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice expands popular scheme across West Yorkshire ahead of January collections

Residents across West Yorkshire are being encouraged to get ahead of the festive rush by booking their Christmas tree recycling early, as Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice opens bookings for its 2026 collection service.

The charity’s annual scheme, which combines convenience with fundraising, will see real Christmas trees collected and recycled in January, helping to raise vital funds for children with life-shortening conditions and their families.

Thousands Raised Through Tree Recycling

In January 2025, Forget Me Not volunteers collected more than 2,500 real Christmas trees, raising over £32,000 to support the hospice’s work.

With demand growing and operational costs continuing to rise, the charity has expanded the service for the coming year.

For 2026, collections will take place between 6 and 18 January across all West Yorkshire and OL postcodes, with a minimum suggested donation of £12 per tree.

Expanded Service to Meet Growing Need

The extension of the scheme reflects both its popularity and the increasing financial pressures facing the hospice.

Fundraising plays a critical role in sustaining services, with the charity required to fund the majority of its running costs independently.

Georgia Lane, Forget Me Not’s fundraising manager, said: “Everyone has a lot to think about at Christmas, so we’re urging people to get one job done nice and early this year and book their Christmas tree recycling service with us now.

“It’s not hard to be a Christmas uber-planner. All you have to do is place your order online, and then you can relax, knowing it’s taken care of. And every penny raised will help us support local children and families.

“Fundraising activities like this are so important for Forget Me Not. It costs us £6.5 million just to keep the doors open, and we have to find 80% of that ourselves.

“So, if you live in West Yorkshire or in any OL postcode and would like Forget Me Not to collect your real Christmas tree in the new year, please visit www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk/christmas-tree-collections before 7th January and follow the simple instructions.”

Sustainable Recycling With a Local Impact

All Christmas trees collected through the scheme will be recycled responsibly.

Trees will be chipped and reused in natural landscaping projects, with some also being used by Ogden Water as part of natural barrier construction.

The charity hopes the service will not only make post-Christmas clean-up easier for households, but also provide a meaningful way for people to support local children and families during a challenging time for hospice funding.

Bookings are now open, with residents encouraged to secure their collection early to avoid missing out.