The Echo donated first Tree of Hope 10 years ago which remembers loved ones

THE Tree of Hope initiative began exactly ten years ago today on March 7, 2014, when the first tree was planted in Dodder Valley Park.

The tree was donated by The Echo and Tallaght Community Council, and in the decade that followed, a further 80 trees were planted in Tallaght as a symbol for those affected by suicide and mental illness.

Tree of Hope was founded by Tallaght woman Noeleen Fulham, and she told The Echo about how it all came about.

“The idea of the trees came to me when I realised so many people felt isolated and low, and when [they were] sad from losing a loved one to suicide, they felt people avoided them,” she said.

“I wanted to show them, we certainly have not forgotten them or their loved ones.

“I wanted to put something out in communities, a focal point that when people passed by, they could see they are supported.

“And what better than a tree named the Tree of Hope? They would know we are thinking of and supporting them and may go and seek help if they are in a dark place.

“Life is changing so fast and is manic for people now, and there is a lot of stress, so the trees will hopefully help them.

“There are now 81 Trees of Hope in Tallaght alone, and hundreds nationwide planted by people contacting me on the Trees of Hope Facebook page.”

The trees have become a popular feature of the Tallaght landscape, and Noeleen said she hopes the trees will continue to be a source of support and encouragement for people who are struggling.

“Our hope is, as these trees grow in strength, so will the people who are hurting, and as the branches reach out, that people in a dark place will also reach out to someone and ask for help,” she said.

Noeleen added that donations are always warmly received and are used to fund the special stakes and plaques that are used to denote a tree as a Tree of Hope.

“Donations are always welcome, and we never ever ask,” she said.

“But with the donations, I get the special stakes and plaques made to add to the trees – the meaning is on the plaque.

“Thank you to everyone who helped me on the way: Ashling, Chris and Niall to name a few.”

For more information or to donate, visit the Trees of Hope Facebook page or contact Noeleen via email at noeleenfulham1@yahoo.ie.

If you require support, contact the Samaritans’ 24-hour freephone helpline 116123, Pieta House’s LoCall helpline 1800 247 247, HOPE on 087 136 3082 or Childline at 1800 66 66 66.