Christmas can be a difficult time of year, particularly for anyone who has lost a loved one. But a special Christmas tree in Teignmouth aims to bring comfort to those missing someone special during the festive period.

The Christmas Memorial Message Tree has been erected for a seventh year in the town for members of the public to add memorial messages, notes of thanks or even words of love.

Located outside the Methodist Church on Somerset Place, the remembrance tree was the idea of Healthy Pet Shop owner Jo Gask and her late husband Nigel. The couple wanted to pay tribute to their friend Mark, who had passed away from cancer. ‘Mark helped us when we were opening the shop and we wanted to remember him,’ Jo recalled.

The tree took on a more poignant meaning in 2019 after Nigel was killed in a motorbike crash on the Torquay to Teignmouth road.

For the first two years, the tree was placed outside Laura Wall’s gallery, but there was no power supply. So, when the Methodist Church agreed to supply the electricity for an illuminated tree, it was moved to its current position.

It is free for anyone to add a message to the tree, although Jo recommends that notes are tied to the tree securely in waterproof protection to save them being ruined by the elements. As well as messages, people are welcome to add baubles or their own decorations.

Jo is grateful to all who have helped. ‘Thank you to Teignmouth Town Council, for supplying the tree. Thank you to all the traders and customers who have donated the decorations. And a big thank you to the Methodist Church for powering the lights,’ she said.