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Harli Reaches Fundraising Goal for Mum’s Memory Tree Leaf

25 September 2024

Eleven-year-old, Harli Dixon, has achieved her ambition to fundraise for St Elizabeth Hospice and to purchase a leaf on the hospice’s Memory Tree in memory of her mum, Jemma Chatten, who received support from the independent charity until her death in July 2022, aged 34-years-old.

Since 2023, Harli has raised over £23,300 for St Elizabeth Hospice through taking part in the charity’s flagship fundraiser, the Midnight Walk, and by hosting her own Dinner & Dance at Seckford Hall on 26th July – marking two years since Jemma’s death from cancer.

Harli has smashed her initial fundraising target of £10,000 with all money going towards supporting St Elizabeth Hospice’s vital services, as well as contributing to funding a leaf in Jemma’s memory, on the hospice’s Memory Tree, which was officially unveiled by Harli in September.

“It feels really special to have raised money for St Elizabeth Hospice and to have a leaf on the hospice’s Memory Tree for my mummy,” said Harli, who lives near Woodbridge and was recently named as Fundraiser of the Year in BBC Radio Suffolk’s Make a Difference Awards 2024, as recognition for her support of the hospice.

“Thank you to everybody who supported my fundraising and helped raise lots of money for the charity. I really hope this money can help the hospice look after other people, just like they looked after my mummy.”

Since 2011, St Elizabeth Hospice’s Memory Tree has been located at the hospice, on Foxhall Road.

Created from a hand carved bronze trunk and branches, solid brass, aluminum and copper leaves with decorative cast bronze rocks, the Memory Tree has become a popular focal point, while also providing families the opportunity to make a poignant tribute to a loved one.

The tree can hold 500 dedicated name on its leaves and rocks, and since 2011 it has held over 1,400 names, and raised almost £350,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice.

Rob Dixon, Harli’s Dad, said: “St Elizabeth Hospice really is a wonderful charity and one we so pleased to support. They gave brilliant support to Harli and her mummy and I am so proud of Harli for what she has achieved with her fundraising.

“She is such a determined little girl, and I know having her mummy’s name on the Memory Tree at the hospice means the world to her.”

Read Harli’s hospice story in full here – www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/stories/harli-dixon-a-daughters-story/.

To make a dedication to St Elizabeth Hospice’s Memory Tree visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/donate-in-memory/memory-tree/