A BEAUTIFUL Christmas tree has been installed in the garden of a pub in memory of a teenager who died.

13-year-old James O’Mara has been honoured with a “Memory Christmas Tree” in the garden of The Mug House pub on Friday 17 December 2021.

James’ brother Charlie turned on the tree lights at the Claines pub, in a ceremony in memory for his brother.

James was diagnosed with aggressive form of leukaemia, Acute Myeloid, at Worcestershire Royal on June 1 in 2017.

He was transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital but died on Thursday, June 8, 2017, after battling the disease for a week.

 

Worcester News: Left Picture: Landlady of The Mug House, Judy Allen, pictured left, and James' grandmother June O'Mara, pictured right. Right Picture: James' mum, Becci O'Mara, pictured left, and James' brother Charlie, pictured right.Left Picture: Landlady of The Mug House, Judy Allen, pictured left, and James' grandmother June O'Mara, pictured right. Right Picture: James' mum, Becci O'Mara, pictured left, and James' brother Charlie, pictured right.

Judy Allen, the landlady for The Mug House pub, said she felt overwhelmed with emotion during the switching on of the lights.

She said: “I could barely talk when we turned the lights on, I have known the family for years and they are all so lovely.

“We have a customer who kindly donate the tree to us and this year it looks absolutely stunning.

“It is a really beautiful thing we can do to honour James and for people who have lost someone special, in a time where things are hard for everyone it is something nice to focus on.”

Worcester News: Example of a baubal on James' tree at The Mug House pub.Example of a baubal on James' tree at The Mug House pub.

Visitors are encouraged to write a name or a message for a loved one you want to remember and add it to the tree, with donations also being welcomed for Blood Cancer UK.

Jamie’s family regularly host charity fundraisers in his honour for Blood Cancer UK, the Children’s Hospital Birmingham and the Liver Foundation UK, but the effects of the pandemic have made it increasingly difficult.

James’ Aunt, Amanda Tanner said, “We usually try to host several events throughout the year to fundraise in James’ honour but due to the strain of the pandemic it is been tough over the last two years.

“Judy’s generosity and caring nature is appreciated by the whole family and the tree is such a lovely way to honour James’ memory.

“Anyone who is able to donate we would really appreciate your support for the wonderful charities we work with and to anyone who has already donated thank you so much.”

To donate to Blood Cancer UK, visit here.