A UNIQUE tree at Worcester Cathedral tells the real stories of hope behind Maggs Day Centre’s 40th anniversary Christmas campaign.
This year’s Maggs Cathedral Tree, part of the Worcester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival, has been transformed into a powerful symbol of humanity and connection.
Designed by local poet Emma Davidson and co-created with people supported by Maggs, the tree is wrapped in clothing, words and poetry – each piece representing a personal story, a challenge overcome, or a wish for the year ahead.
The creative theme, ‘Threads of Hope: Wrapped in Stories’, reflects how Maggs supports people experiencing homelessness across Worcestershire – offering warmth, dignity and belonging, one act of kindness at a time.
Emma said: “Together, we’ve created something truly meaningful. The tree is made from clothing and materials that symbolise the warmth and generosity of our community. Every decoration carries a message, poem or reflection written by someone who has found strength and hope through Maggs. It’s a tapestry of lived experience, empathy and creativity.”
The Threads of Hope tree sits at the heart of Maggs’ wider 2025 Christmas campaign, ‘Help Rewrite the Story. Give the Gift of Hope’ – inviting the community to help change the narrative for those facing homelessness through donations, kindness and shared stories.
Visitors to the Cathedral can add their own message of hope by writing a story or reflection on one of the hanging baubles, joining a collective act of compassion that continues to grow throughout December.
Maggs fundraising, communications and relationships manager Melissa Blewitt added: “For 40 years, Maggs has been helping people rewrite their stories – from hardship and isolation to hope and possibility.
“Our Cathedral Tree brings that message to life in the most human way. It shows that when our community comes together – through art, generosity and understanding – real change becomes possible.”
Now in its 40th year, Maggs Day Centre supports more than 700 individuals every year, offering food, clothing, outreach, advocacy and long-term support for those rebuilding their lives.
The Maggs Cathedral Tree is on display at Worcester Cathedral throughout the Christmas Tree Festival, running until January 6.
Visit donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000006OVbuYAG to donate to Maggs’ Christmas campaign.
