Trees a way to remember lost ones at Christmas

Christmas is a time for families so when you've lost a loved one it can be difficult to cope.

Joanne Minchinton's husband David died of pancreatic cancer in May last year and she still has her low days.
The couple were together for 16 years and married for 12.

Mrs Minchinton says the holiday season is particularly difficult but she has received a lot of support from Hospice West Auckland.

"When David was sick we got massages and nurses would come round to see us," she says.

That support continued after he died and Mrs Minchinton received counselling and help from hospice groups she joined.

The Massey resident is one of many west Aucklanders who have hung a star on a Remembrance Tree.
Anyone who has lost a loved one can pay a donation to buy a star, write a message on it and hang it on one of the trees in shopping centres around west Auckland.

West Auckland Hospice events and communications manager Kathryn van Beek says the stars are a good way of remembering friends and family members who have passed away.

"It's also a way of supporting West Auckland Hospice by giving a donation," she says.

The shopping centre stalls are manned by Hospice volunteers.

"People tend to come back and look at the stars they've put up," she says. "It's a nice thing for the family to do."

People who donate also go into the draw to win a tour of the Shortland Street set and an afternoon tea with actress Virginie Le Brun, who plays Gabrielle on the show.

Phone 834-9750 for more information.  

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/western-leader/6160132/Trees-a-way-to-remember-lost-ones-at-Christmas