Standard Bank, Isle of Man, has sponsored an entry into this year’s annual Save the Children’s Festival of Trees, recognising the hard work of the Oncology Unit at Noble’s Hospital. This year’s entry saw colleagues at the bank support the staff of the Oncology Unit to help create and deliver a ‘Top Tips Tree’ on surviving cancer.
Its branches hold top tips from cancer patients, delivering positive sentiments and optimistic messages. The tree is also decorated with different coloured cancer awareness ribbons.
2017 is the second year running that Standard Bank has funded an entry, proceeds from which go straight to helping disadvantaged children at this difficult time of year via the Save The Children Fund. The display of trees, which can be found at Ronaldsway Airport, is visited by thousands of people over Christmas showcasing imaginative concepts of the traditional Christmas showing flair, humour and creativity.
Chris Till, CEO of Standard Bank Isle of Man, said: “Our participation in this event allows us to help out two very worthy causes. Not only are we contributing to Save The Children, but also highlighting the great work that the Oncology Unit do for their patients. We are reminded that many this Christmas will be going through a difficult period, coping with illness or maybe having loved ones who are sick and at these times it is important to provide support and hope to one another.”
As Africa’s leading bank by assets, Standard Bank also wanted the tree to convey their connection with the country through its decorations. Presents under the tree are wrapped in African shui shui paper, with the branches bearing Africa shaped wire bead art, made by the childen of the Mifumi Primary School in Uganga which Standard Bank has supported for 7 years.
Jane Gaunt, Senior Sister at Noble’s Hospital Oncology Unit, said: “We wanted to submit a tree design for the festival that was a bit different, as we approach matters very differently here in the Oncology Unit. A battle against cancer can be a long and hard one, but at the end there is promise of a different future. We are very grateful for this opportunity to work with Standard Bank to promote what we see as a significant and highly symbolic tree to help all cancer suffers this Christmas.”
The public are invited to visit Ronaldsway Airport to view all of the trees in the Festival, to vote for their favourite design and to make a donation towards Save The Children.
Photo - L to R:
Jayne Guant from Senior Sister, Oncology Unit
Sarah Smythe – Standard Bank
Michelle Whitty – Standard Bank
Jane Leece – Senior Sister, Oncology Unit
Billy Leece
