A WICHELSTOWE man has personified the true spirit of Christmas by giving hand-crafted wooden trees to those less fortunate.

Charitable carpenter Shay Abdul is determined to see families in Wichelstowe fully enjoy Christmas, and for those unable to afford a proper tree, Shay has been handing out wooden trees assembled in his garden shed.

“I know there are people who are struggling at this time of year, and I thought it would be nice to give something back,” said Shay.

In his spare time, Shay runs community group Wichelstowe Woodwork, which makes interesting and original household items from bits of old wood.

“Woodwork has started to become something of a hobby for me,” he said.

This is the first year Shay has undertaken the scheme and he reckons he has donated around 30 trees so far.

“I have had an amazing response from people,” he said. “I think people appreciate something that’s hand-made like this. They can see how much work has gone into it.

“I made around 11 or 12 in the first batch and they went straight away.

“We are one big family around here and I think it’s important to help people who are struggling. There are a lot of bad things going on in the world at the moment and we are all facing a similar struggle.”

In return for a wooden tree, all Shay asks is for people to make a small donation to a charity of their choice. Shay has been involved with fundraising for local homeless charities and those helping Syrians displaced by the civil war.

The trees are made from scrap wood donated by locals. They are sanded down and shaped to resemble a real Christmas tree, with each one taking around 30 to 40 minutes to make.

As Shay explained: “If someone has garden furniture delivered and a pallet comes with it, they will contact me and I’ll collect it.

“Some people decorate the trees with paint and others ask me to use my imagination and decorate it for them which usually consists of stars and baubles, just like a traditional tree.”

The 31-year-old is hoping his little scheme will inspire people to think about others during the Christmas period.

He said: “Just showing that I am putting in my spare time will hopefully remind people to help others and give something back themselves.

“No matter what your talents, there is always a way to help someone at Christmas. I’m not a very talented carpenter, but there is always something you can do.”

When he isn’t in his shed carving trees out of scrap wood, Shay works at housing association Sovereign Housing in Wichelstowe.

Asked if he would make the trees again next year, he said: “Probably, if people are interested. Though it would really depend on demand. I’m only one person.”

Unfortunately, supply is limited and Shay doesn’t think he will be doing many more trees this year. But anyone interested can visit Wichelstowe Woodwork’s Facebook page and give him a call.