The Sycamore Gap tree meant so much to so many, including one Gateshead couple who got engaged and married at the iconic spot.
Hayley and Lee Graham-Hardy were devastated when they found out the tree that holds a special place in their hearts had been felled. On Thursday morning park bosses confirmed the tree was no longer standing after being "deliberately felled".
Hayley and Lee first visited the tree together back in December 2021 and it has become a poignant part of their relationship, with the couple getting engaged at the spot in May last year and then married in December.
Hayley said: "I got inundated with messages yesterday. People know we got married and engaged there. We were actually the first wedding since pre-Covid. Twice Brewed got a special marriage licence for us.
"We said our vows at Twice Brewed and walked up to the tree on December 7 in the freezing cold and had a photoshoot at the tree.
"We had t-shirts, pint glasses, Sycamore Gap wedding favours for everyone. I have got all the jewellery on today.
"I have always known the tree was there and so has my husband. We actually discovered it on a recommendation from a friend at work. We stayed in a log cabin in Christmas Day in 2021 and we went to Twice Brewed for our lunch on Boxing Day and that is when we fell in love with it.
"Our next visit to the tree was when my now husband asked me to marry him on May 19, 2021. I turned 40 on May 14 and I was struggling with it so my 'boyfriend' wanted to make it special. He turned 52 on May 22.
"We were going to get married this summer but went to Twice Brewed about getting married, who gave us the suggestion of getting married sooner and got a one-off special licence."
Hayley, who works as a support and conduct coordinator for student living, first heard about the tree being felled when a friend contacted her and believed it was a prank.
She said: "My friend sent a message saying 'Your tree has come down' and sent me a photo, I thought it was a really, really disgusting prank. We are really sad because we were booked to go to Twice Brewed for our one year anniversary because we were going to go and see the tree.
"We went for our one year engagement anniversary and wanted to go for our one year anniversary but we can't now.
"It is like when the Queen passed away and it was a big global thing, really sad but we all knew it was coming some day. This has just been completely mindless, we are devastated about it."
Hayley and Lee had planned to visit the tree every month next year as part of a tribute to the much-loved landmark.
She said: "We made a plan for next year to visit the tree every month and take a picture to put in a clock that has 12 frames.
"I'm a member of the Hadrian's Wall Path and Hadrian's Wall Walk social media and have previously shared photos in the group. People from America and all over the world who are part of this group messaged me. It has been amazing to hear from so many strangers. It is such a senseless mindless act."
A 16-year-old male was arrested in connection with the incident and has now been released on bail.
