The founders of the East Cheshire Hospice Christmas tree collection scheme have been awarded a civic honour for their outstanding work.
Richard Raymond and Pete Chapman received a Lifetime Achievement Civic Award from outgoing Macclesfield Mayor Cllr Sandy Livingstone.
The honour recognises their efforts co-ordinating one of the most successful fundraising schemes in the country.
Wives Tina and Heather joined them at the ceremony at the town hall.
Richard said: “It’s a thrill to be honoured and it was a surprise to be nominated. The first we knew was when the town hall rang the Hospice and asked us to get in touch.
“We couldn’t have achieved this award without the help of the volunteers who’ve worked with us.
“We’ve had another fantastic year, raising a further £160,000 to take the total raised for the Hospice to over £2m in 25 years.”
Outgoing Mayor Cllr Sandy Livingstone with Pete Chapman (left) and Richard Raymond.
Cllr Livingstone said: “As Mayor of Macclesfield I had the privilege to recognise people in our town for their service to our community.
“Richard and Pete had the inspired idea to recycle Christmas trees to raise money for the much-loved East Cheshire Hospice.
“Twenty-five years and £2m later their idea has spread across the country. This is their gift to us and one I’m delighted to recognise and reward.”
Richard Raymond (left) and Pete Chapman coordinating a tree collection.
Richard and Pete advise other Hospices on similar tree schemes and in September will start the countdown to the next East Cheshire collection.
That scheme received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2016.