Tree of Courage unveiled at Nottingham Breast Institute

A special Tree of Courage has been unveiled at the Nottingham Breast Institute, at the City Hospital in Nottingham, to recognise and pay tribute to those who have been treated there. 

The ornamental, metal tree contains leaves which can be engraved and dedicated in celebration or remembrance of patients and loved ones who have shown strength and courage while being treated at the Breast Institute over the years. 

The Tree of Courage was created by Nottingham Hospitals Charity in honour of those whose lives have been affected by breast cancer. The tree, which is located at the heart of the Breast Institute, is a way of recognising those who have faced a difficult diagnosis with strength, resilience and courage. 

It was unveiled by staff, patients and supporters at the Breast Institute, which provides care for around 35,000 patients from across Nottinghamshire every year. 

The Tree of Courage contains 420 leaves and 15 flowers, each one engraved with the name or dedication of someone whose life has been touched by breast cancer. Supporters can make a donation for a bronze, silver or gold leaf, which is then engraved with their dedication message, and placed on the tree.

After their leaf has been displayed on the tree for one year, donors are given the choice of renewing it for another year, or having it delivered to them in a special keepsake box.

Sallyann Petts has been fundraising for the breast cancer research taking place at the Nottingham Breast Institute since she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37. She has raised more than £18,000 for Nottingham Hospitals Charity since starting her annual Strawberry Tea and Ladies Pamper Afternoon events in 2012.

Sallyann now has a leaf engraved on the new Tree of Courage at the Breast Institute, and said: “I am so thrilled to have been asked to dedicate one of the founder leaves on the tree. All I have ever wanted to do for the charity is give as much back as I possibly can. Without the care and attention that I have received from the Breast Institute my outcome could have been very, very different.”

Barbara Cathcart, Chief Executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “We are so pleased to unveil our Tree of Courage, standing tall in the heart of the Breast Institute, in recognition of all the brave individuals in our community who have been affected by breast cancer.

“This beautiful tree provides a special way to celebrate and remember those who have been treated at the Breast Institute over the years, as well as the incredible NHS staff who care for our loved ones in their time of need."