A Bridport charity which has received national recognition for the amazing work it does in the community is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a series of events.
The Living Tree started out as a small cancer support group but has grown over the years and is now a registered charity. It offers friendship, creative activities and holistic therapies, diet and lifestyle information, as well as providing mutual support, helping people cope with the fear, anxiety, isolation or stress that cancer can bring.
Jo Millar founded the group with Jo O’Farrell MBE, who died in 2018 aged 68. Members say Jo O'Farrell's legacy lives on as the group continues to thrive.
In 2019 the group featured in a Macmillan cancer support video, highlighting the what it does, with members giving shinning testimonies of how it has helped them.
To celebrate the group's 10 year milestone, members are organising number of events, including an art exhibition at Bridport Arts Centre from September 6–10.
Jo Millar, Chair and co-founder of The Living Tree said: “The 10-year anniversary represents a huge milestone, both personally for me as it will be 10 years since my cancer treatment finished, but more importantly 10 years since Jo O'Farrell and I were introduced to each other.
“We instantly recognised in each other a shared belief that west Dorset needed some form of holistic lifestyle support for those affected by cancer, and we also saw creativity as being central to the healing process.
“We were all devastated when Jo died in July 2018 and we continue to miss her, but I hope that she would be overjoyed to see how the Living Tree continues to grow and thrive - her legacy definitely lives on.”
Enjoying an activity
The exhibition will display creative work, highlighting the many different sides of what the charity offers and will be officially opened by the mayor, it will be a way of saying thank you to the many local people and organisations who have supported The Living Tree in the last 10 years.
Ms Millar added: “There has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes since then to produce some new artwork, plus collate creative pieces previously made by Living Tree members, all illustrating how central creativity has been in helping those living with cancer.
“Within the exhibition we will also have a quiet area, for anyone visiting to simply sit down & reflect.”
“The whole week will be an amazing chance for Living Tree members to say thank you to the town and local area, for all of the support we have received since we started.”
The Living Tree’s Ambling group is planning a “celebratory amble” on the morning of Wednesday, September 7, which will finish in Bucky Doo Square and will allow the amblers to visit the exhibition.
The Living Tree and Stepping Out group team up for the Carnival of Life entry in Bridport Carnival procession 2018
Picture: Samantha Cook Photography
A poetry evening at Bridport Arts Centre will take place on Thursday, September 8 and there will be a chance to hear poems by Rosie Jackson along with poems from their ‘Book of Words,’ plus Jo O’Farrell’s two collections ‘Here is a Beginning’ and ‘At Low Tide.’
As events draw to a close, there will be a final evening of music and food from Maria’s Pantry for Living Tree members on Saturday, September 10 in the WI Hall.
Tickets for the poetry event are free, but Bridport Arts Centre encourage booking in advance here: bridport-arts.com
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