Story by Eli Haidari.

Teddington's very own Park Lane Stables was yet again in the spotlight yesterday afternoon as members of the team attended Chelsea's Royal Hospital to receive a special tree and Royal letter from the late Queen Elizabeth II from the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London.

The first recipients of The Queen's Green Canopy (QGC) 'Tree of Trees' attended the award ceremony at the royal hospital yesterday, October 3rd, as chosen organisations at the heart of communities who have worked to bring hope and support to people across the UK.

As a nationwide initiative created to mark Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee, the QGC was due to conclude in December – the end of the Jubilee year.

However, as the official tree planting season in the United Kingdom is from October to March, the initiative has been extended to include the full tree planting season, in honour of the late passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

A spectacular 21-metre 'Tree of Trees' sculpture which featured 350 British native trees planted as part of the QGC initiative, formed an exciting centrepiece of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick.

The first 18 trees which starred in the Jubilee celebrations were awarded to 18 organisations working to serve their communities in greater London. Representatives from the Park Lane Stables team in attendance yesterday afternoon included Cathy Cooper, Sarah Meagher and Mahmoud AlNaffakh.

The Stables in Teddington is a registered charity and an award-winning Riding for the Disabled Association Centre.

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Commenting on the royal experience, Ms Cooper told Nub News: "We just feel incredibly honoured at Park Lane Stables to receive one of these remarkable trees as a symbol of the work that goes on here in Teddington.

"When Natalie (owner of Park lane Stables) first called and asked what I was doing October 3rd I thought she was going to ask me round for fish and chips! I certainly didn't expect to be receiving a royal tree and note from Her Majesty on behalf of the Stables!

"Nevertheless, I was delighted to attend alongside Sarah and Mahmoud and talk to all the wonderful charitable organisations, we even tried our luck getting the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London down to the stables to ride one of the horses, but we will have to see!"

Ms Cooper is currently safeguarding the tree in her back garden while the Stables finds an appropriate spot to plant it within the borough, discussions with council members are to come.

Earlier this year, Natalie O'Rourke released her book, Only Heroes and Horses, the extraordinary tale of the £1 million campaign that was launched to secure the stables future over the course of seven days during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The campaign gained national media attention which also led to a letter from Buckingham Palace being sent to the Stables inviting both members and staff to visit Her Majesty's Horses.

In June, the Park Lane Stables' volunteers also received a life-time Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS).

To discover more on Park Lane Stables and the work they carry out as a charitable organisation in Teddington, visit their site here.

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