Tree of Remembrance is taking root in city mall

When Murray Gillespie thinks of his wife this Christmas he will remember her bravery most of all.

Alison, 67, died in February after a ‘‘real battle’’ with cancer, he said. ‘‘We were coming up to our 47th wedding anniversary, but we were together for nearly 50 years.’’

So, yesterday Gillespie hung a card on the Tree of Remembrance in Farmers, in Centre City, in memory of his wife.

The Tree of Remembrance is an opportunity to remember someone special in the lead up to Christmas, Hospice Taranaki chief executive Kevin Nielsen said.

Everyone who makes a donation will receive a card on which to write their personal message, which they can place on the tree. All money raised will remain in Taranaki, Nielsen said.

Gillespie said he holds onto the knowledge that he was lucky to have had 50 years with his wife.

‘‘Not many people have the relationship we had. It was a great relationship. We were very close. I reflect on that. It’s the thing I hang my hat on more than anything.’’

The staff at Taranaki Hospice were wonderful, he said. ‘‘The thing we found most helpful - Alison went to the day care at the hospice and she felt like it was a second family for her. I reflect on the Christmas Party they had a year ago. They were so welcoming and kind, all the things you’d expect from the hospice.’’

The care she had at home was fantastic, he said. ‘‘Absolutely brilliant. Wonderfully caring.’’

Gillespie said 2016 had been a hard year, but had been blessed with friendships and support.

And he had been the convenor his Rotary Club’s golf tournament that had raised money for a patient hoist at the hospital.

‘‘Christmas will be hard. Alison loved Christmas, it was her special time of year.’’

The Remembrance tree will be up until Christmas Eve.