Leipzig. Since last November, 4,000 seedlings have formed the beginning of the UKL‘s “Forest of Bright Hope”. Now more are being added in another planting campaign – with the aim of growing the first 10,000 trees. With the power trees, the teams from the Radiotherapy Clinic and the University Cancer Center at Leipzig University Hospital (UKL) want to set an example in the fight against cancer together with patients and relatives.
The forest is being created on an area in the Dübener Heide near Oranienbaum. 4,000 small maple trees, oaks and bird cherries already grow here. On November 9th, at least as many should be added again, and preferably more, so that the first 10,000 power trees can be reached this year.
“We visit last year’s seedlings and let our forest continue to grow,” says Prof. Nils Nicolay, director of the radiotherapy clinic and initiator of the campaign. Almost 100 people will drive into the forest and use spades and rubber boots. In addition to employees of the Radiotherapy Clinic and the University Cancer Center at the UKL, the planters include many patients, relatives and representatives of self-help groups. This year, small plaques with individual wishes and memories should also be given to the growing trees. “For many, these trees are a symbol of their hope and resilience,” says Nicolay. “We want to offer space for this and at the same time create something larger and something that transcends the day: our forest.”
The campaign is supported by the German Cancer Aid and the Oranienbaumer Heide district forestry agency, which is responsible for the preparation and long-term care of the trees.
