[A]N ash struck by lightning that inspired a woman to battle the disease that eventually killed her has been voted the best tree in Cumbria.
The second most popular went to a beech stump and third is a hawthorn that clings to life on a lonely rocky fell.
“The top three in Cumbria’s Top 50 Trees are perhaps not the most remarkable in some people’s eyes,” said forester and project co-ordinator Iris Glimmerveen.
“But the human stories behind them inspired thousands of people to vote for them.”
The No. 1 tree – an ash near Lake Coniston – inspired Sue Bond, 61, a retired auditor and lifelong non-smoker to battle lung cancer.
Cut in half vertically by a lightning strike many years ago, fresh shoots growing out of its burnt and blackened bark every spring offered her hope.
After nominating the tree – which she called The Courageous Tree – Sue explained why it was so special.
“It is my friend. It has beauty, courage and deserves love. It has suffered severe damage and trauma, yet it clings to life with amazing tenacity,” she said.
“’I always empathised with those needing support, recognising other people’s hurt, sorrow, injustice or mistreatment.
“This tree encourages me to be tenacious and hopeful. If this tree can survive, then I have a chance too.’
Sadly, Sue, who lived near Hawkshead in the Lake District, succumbed to her disease earlier this year before Cumbria’s Top 50 Trees were thrown open to a public vote.
“It quickly became apparent that Sue’s powerful connection to this tree inspired the public,” added Iris.
“From the first day our website opened for votes at the beginning of March it took a lead and never lost it.”
Almost 500 people voted for The Courageous Tree out of nearly 3,000 votes cast for all 50 trees.
Sue’s husband Jeff, 72, said the tree had determination, like his late wife.
“I am so proud that a tree that gave Sue hope touched the hearts of so many others.”
Incredibly, second place went to a beech stump at Talkin Tarn, near Carlisle that inspired one young schoolboy to see his teacher’s arthritic hands in its knobbly roots.
Again, the story behind it seemed to capture people’s attention in the same way
“We were on a school trip at the time and I was amazed at this little boy’s vivid imagination,” said Millie Gavican, 71.
The third placed tree was a hawthorn that remarkably grows out of a rock on isolated Asby Common in Cumbria.
Nominator Jan Darrall said it was a potent symbol of the hardy upland Cumbrian spirit, defying the odds to survive in a harsh environment.
The winning tree will now go through to represent Cumbria in national and international tree competitions.
Cumbria’s Top 50 Trees was a Heritage Lottery Fund project.
