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Memory Tree unveiled at Hayward House to remember loved ones
A Memory Tree has been unveiled at Hayward House palliative care centre at City Hospital.
The wall-mounted tree – created by Nottingham Hospitals Charity – is made up of metal leaves which can be engraved and dedicated to loved ones or to the NHS staff who cared for them.
Helen Edwards, pictured, who lost her mum Christine Schofield to cancer on 19 August last year, was at the unveiling ceremony. Christine had been moved to Hayward House in mid-July.
“The staff and doctors here are amazing,” said Helen. “They showed so much compassion, not just to me, and our family, but to the children too.
“We had all these plans on how to spend the school holidays but we spent the six weeks here, every day. We were always made to feel so very welcome.”
Christine’s leaf has 10 kisses - to represent Helen and her family, sister Alison and family, and dad Colin.
“Our mum was a truly fantastic mum,” said Helen. “So kind and caring, funny and daft at times. She was a fabulous wife to my dad and she adored her five grandchildren: Amy, Evie, Ashley, Grant and Vinny.
“The tree is fantastic is a really great way to remember someone as special as mum.”
Colette Farley, whose mother Angela was also cared for at Hayward House, said: “The care that my mum received was outstanding, absolutely five-star; I can’t put into words the difference it made to her end of life. This tree is a lasting memorial, it is stunning and it’s just a beautiful idea to remember a loved one.”
Donors can choose to renew their personalised leaf each year, or have it delivered to them in a special keepsake box.
Louise Knight, Head of Fundraising at Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “We have many donors who want to do something special to commemorate their loved ones, while thanking the staff who cared for them during their time in hospital. Our Memory Tree is a wonderful way of doing just that.”
For more information or to dedicate a leaf on the Memory Tree, please visit nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk/memory-tree