Bereaved families supported by Martin House Children’s Hospice were joined by Chris Packham this week as they opened a new garden in memory of children and young people who have died.
The wildlife presenter and conservationist visited the hospice in Boston Spa for the opening of the Garden of Memories yesterday (Thursday).
The new outdoor space has been created to give families somewhere to reflect and remember their child.
Chris Packham, who threaded the first ribbon on a remembrance weaving board, said:
“It’s been an amazing afternoon. Martin House is absolutely astonishing.”
“To make such a positive difference to people’s lives, when those lives were at their most fragile, is absolutely heartwarming.
"And to have a garden like this that everyone can use is another remarkable asset in what is a truly remarkable place.”
Before the opening, Chris toured Martin House and learned more about the specialist palliative care and bereavement support the hospice provides.
He also spent time speaking with families about their experiences and the support Martin House continues to provide after a child or young person has died.
The Garden of Memories was developed with feedback from Martin House’s Bereaved Parent Advisory Group, alongside its care teams, to create a peaceful space for remembrance, reflection and connection. It has been designed so bereaved families can visit independently at any time.
Inspired by therapeutic stories including The Hare-Shaped Hole and The Invisible String, the garden includes several interactive elements - some created by siblings through the Memory Makers Project, funded by Hospice UK’s Dying Matters Community Grants Programme.
The garden also includes a Letters to Loved Ones post box, funded by Amardeep Sirha and Theo Morris in memory of their son, Simba. Created as a place for bereaved families to leave letters, cards, drawings and messages to their children, it offers a meaningful way to continue that connection.
Amardeep and Theo posted the first letter during the opening.
They said:
“Bringing people together was such a special part of who Simba was.
"We wanted to fund this post box in his memory so that something created in his name could continue offering comfort and connection to others.”
“Grief does not end, and neither does the relationship we have with our children. There are always more words to say, more memories to share and more love to give. We hope this will give families a simple, private and meaningful place to leave those words.
“Having somewhere in the Garden of Memories where we can return, write to him and feel connected means so much. It has been created in Simba’s name, but it is there for every child and every family who needs it.”
Vicki Greensmith, Director of Clinical Services at Martin House, said:
“The Garden of Memories has been shaped by the families who will use it, so it was important that they were at the heart of opening it.”
“When a child dies, our support for their family doesn’t end. This garden gives families another place at Martin House where they can spend time, remember and feel close to their child.”
“We’re very grateful to Chris for joining families for such a meaningful occasion and taking the time to learn more about their experiences and the support Martin House provides.”
Martin House supports more than 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and their families, across West, North and East Yorkshire each year.
Its support continues after a child has died, with around 200 bereaved family members supported each year through specialist bereavement support.
For further information about Martin House Children's Hospice and how to support it, visit: https://www.martinhouse.org.uk/
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