Reading mayor opens memory garden at Sue Ryder hospice

Councillor Rachel Eden cutting the ribbon

Submitted by Sue Ryder

A special ribbon-cutting event was held in Reading, Berkshire, to celebrate the opening of a new memory garden.

The Mayor of Reading, Councillor Rachel Eden, cut the ribbon to officially open the garden at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice on Wednesday, February 2, alongside hospice staff, supporters, volunteers, and families whose loved ones have been cared for at the hospice.

The courtyard garden, which was made possible thanks to the efforts of volunteer gardeners, local fundraising groups and volunteers from Metro Bank, features a beautiful collection of plants and seating areas and will serve as a secluded and quiet place for remembrance and reflection for those who are bereaved.

A poignant focal point is a beautiful handcrafted memory tree, which allows relatives or friends to create a permanent and meaningful tribute in memory of a loved one by purchasing an engraved bronze, silver or gold leaf to adorn its branches.

Malcolm Harding from Reading has displayed a leaf on the tree in memory of his late wife, Muriel, who died at the hospice in 2018. Muriel worked at the hospice as a nurse for over 20 years and subsequently volunteered there in her retirement.

Malcolm said: “To place a leaf on the memory tree is to keep alive happy memories of the years Muriel worked at and supported the Duchess of Kent Hospice, which was so important in her life. The leaf for us is really significant; it’s something permanent in a place she loved."

Speaking after the event, the Mayor of Reading said: “It was an honour to unveil the memory tree. The new garden area is already a lovely space and I hope it will become somewhere that people who want to remember a loved one are able to spend time, and not just grieve but also find peace.”

Fern Haynes, head of community fundraising - Thames Valley, added: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the Mayor of Reading and our supporters back to the hospice to view the beautiful memory tree and to open our new memory garden.

“The memory garden and tree hold a vital importance to staff, family members, loved ones, volunteers and anyone who has lost someone special. I know that the new garden will provide people with a place of calm to come back and sit, reflect and remember.”

Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice is based on Liebenrood Road and provides expert palliative care and support to people with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families. The hospice provides inpatient care as well as delivering Hospice at Home care to people in the community.

To find out more about dedicating a leaf on the memory tree - with all proceeds going to support the hospice’s compassionate care and bereavement support - email georgia.thornton@sueryder.org or call 0118 9550 433. Find out more information about Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice here.

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