A Christmas tree which brightens up the outside of a hospice care house in Brecon has been described as “community effort” by the man who started it more than ten years ago.

Every year, as Christmas shoppers, townsfolk and visitors venture into Brecon from Llanfaes, they walk past the tall and sparkly tree which happily sits outside Usk House overlooking the river.

Semi-retired GP Dr David Johnson said: “It’s definitely a community effort to make it happen each year and the reason we do it for the community.

“We do it to brighten up people’s Christmases while they’re in this part of town.

The Llanfaes tradition started ten years ago when Dr Johnson and a group of helpers added a tree to the outside of Usk House to bring festive cheer to the area of the market town.

Dr Johnson, who has also helped at Usk House, said: “It started just as an idea when I used to help with Usk House. It was about ten to twelve years ago and I had an idea to put a tree outside of Usk House.

“I know a lot of people so I asked Jane Rodell from Rodell Chimneys who provided this huge tub which we put in a hole in the ground to support the tree.

“Jason Jenkins of Jenkins Building Merchants were extremely generous and brought a long a pick-up truck to help transport the tree for free.

“Each year, David Edwards and Mahadev Thapa help to put the lights on the tree.”

Originally, almost a decade ago, Dr Johnson was helped by a friend called Martin to dig the whole which would hold the giant tree in place in the ground - it took two days to complete with a drill.

Even now, members of Powys council highways team - Mahadev Thapa - help to dress the tree while Jason Jenkins helps to transport it.

This year, the turning on of the lights on the tree coincided with Brecon With Bells On and the turning on of the main Christmas lights in the town’s centre.

St David’s Hospice Care have used the much-loved festive tree as inspiration for Christmas fundraising to continue providing care for their hospice patients.

A spokesperson from St David’s Hospice Care, which is operated from Usk House, said: “The Christmas Tree has been a prominent feature within Brecon for many years and we wish to continue this for 2021, bringing some joy to the people of Brecon.”

St David’s Hospice Care cares for patients and their families who are suffering from cancer and other life threatening illnesses. Our care is provided free throughout Newport, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and South & Mid Powys. We have to raise £9 million pounds every year with a small percentage given by local government and the NHS.

In order to raise the funds required, we run a weekly lottery, have a network of 38 Charity Shops together with a donation depot whilst we organise and facilitate many fundraising events each year.

To donate to the out-patient service, which provides vital medical care, you can donate via their Just Giving page by clicking here or you can text to donate: Text CWTCH 3 TREE to give £3 - send your text to 7030; Text CWTCH 5 TREE to give £5 - send your text to 70300; Text CWTCH 10 TREE to give £10 - send your text to 70300; Text CWTCH 15 TREE to give £15 - send your text to 70300; or, Text CWTCH 20 TREE to give £20 - send your text to 70300

T&C’s apply - 100% of your donation goes to St David’s Hospice Care. Texts cost your donation plus 1 message at your standard network rate. Always get the bill payers permission.

You can also donate by popping into their charity shop in Brecon and making a donation, by calling Nicky on 01633 851064, or by sending a cheque to St David’s Hospice Care, Blackett Avenue, Newport, NP20 6NH.