Francis House Children’s Hospice will hold its annual Festival of Trees at the Lowry Outlet in Salford Quays.

More than 30 local and national organisations have already pledged to donate and decorate a Christmas tree.

The charity in Didsbury is now looking for companies, social clubs or groups to sign up for the few remaining trees and to be part of one their biggest festive fundraising events.

Francis House supply an artificial tree and lights, and the decoration can be in any theme as long as the tree is saleable.

Previous supporters have included L’Oreal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Virgin Media, Lancashire County Cricket Club and Nandos. Stars from the cast of Coronation Street have also supplied signed baubles.

Francis House fundraiser Mary Gillatt said: “We are really excited to announce this years ‘Festival of Trees’ and we’d like to thank the many hundreds of individuals and companies for their fantastic support and the Lowry Outlet for once again generously supporting the event.”

Shoppers can enjoy browsing the display, which also allows them to bid on high quality and unique trees and support the charity, from Sunday, October 29, until Sunday, December 10.

Tens of thousands of pounds have been raised over the years, and festive gifts and promotional goods will also be available to purchase in the pop-up shop.

Francis House Children’s Hospice serves the north west of England and provides respite care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and the necessary support and short-term rest for their families.

Anyone wanting to decorate a tree should contact Mary Gillatt before October 20 on gillattmary@gmail.com.

Amazon to support Francis House

Amazon’s Manchester fulfilment centre has donated £5,000 to Francis House as part of the retailer’s community support programme.

The charity will benefit from a number of initiatives over the coming months, including monetary donations, on-site fundraising by the Manchester team and attendance at Amazon events.

The initiative has been marked with a donation of £5,000 to the charity from the fulfilment centre team and an additional £400 for sponsorship of the charity’s recent golf day.

Emma Rapley, from Francis House Children’s Hospice, said: “Thank you to Ashley and everyone at Amazon in Manchester for teaming up with Francis House Children’s Hospice.

“This will enable us to continue our work in providing fun experiences and happy memories for families we help, giving children and young people more opportunities to enjoy their lives to the full.

“The on-going support from Amazon Manchester will allow our charity to help even more children and give them more opportunities to enjoy their life to the full whilst providing respite for the entire family.

“On behalf of everyone here I would like to thank Ashley and his team at Amazon in Manchester for their generosity and support.”