On Thursday 14th December, St George’s United Reformed Church in Morpeth was the host for the first annual Morpeth Christmas Tree Festival – all in aid of MS Research and Relief Fund. For the three day event, 22 local businesses and community groups exhibited uniquely decorated Christmas trees to draw in the public and help raise funds for the work of MSRRF.

The festival featured an auction and raffle with a selection of brilliant prizes kindly donated by North East businesses and MSRRF service users. Amongst the prizes was a signed football by the Newcastle United 2017/18 squad, an overnight stay at William de Percy, Otterburn and a refurbished iMac computer.

The festival’s committee, comprising Barbara Ross, Gillian and Ken Irvine from St George’s Church and members of the MSRRF Fundraising team, were involved in the organisation of the festival. The evening preview event was opened by Mayor of Morpeth Nic Best, followed by a musical performance by Ken Irvine and Emma Straughan and closed with an auction of the fabulous donated prizes.

In total, the event raised over £2,700 for MS Research and Relief Fund, which will go towards funding even more exercises and complementary therapies for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis in Morpeth and across the North East.

Thank you to all the people who helped to organise the event, donated prizes for the auction and raffle and to everyone who attended the festival. Keep an eye on our website for updates on next year’s event!