Bereaved relatives and friends have a new opportunity to display a lasting tribute to their loved-one following the launch of a memorial.
St Elizabeth Hospice has installed a Memory Tree within its building in Foxhall Road, Ipswich.
It is made up of solid brass, copper and aluminium leaves and rocks that can be dedicated to a special person who has died.
The Memory Tree is open to any members of the public wishing to create a memorial – not just those touched by Hospice care.
Julie Hicks, and her family, from Creeting St Mary, helped launch the new feature by displaying a leaf in memory of her brother Steven Govender.
Mr Govender, of Ipswich, died at the Hospice last year, aged 53, following a short battle with cancer.
Mrs Hicks said: “I think the Memory Tree is beautiful. Stevie gained so much from the superb care of the Hospice – in fact we all did – so it was important for us to have his name up there. It means a lot to us and it is a place where we can go and reflect and remember him.”
Felicity Green, St Elizabeth Hospice’s fundraising development manager, who spearheaded the project, said:
“The idea for the tree was agreed following many requests from relatives over the years for lasting memorials such as rose bushes, benches or pieces of equipment at the Hospice.
“We had never been able to grant these requests before but now we hope the Memory Tree will provide a focus for family and friends who wish to have a memorial opportunity at the Hospice.”
She added: “It is also a fundraising initiative. It is important we look at new ways of generating income and the Memory Tree is expected to raise thousands of pounds each year to help us to continue to provide services to our patients and their families free of charge.”
The Hospice is grateful to Suffolk-based family-run businesses Engraving Village for providing the engraving services free of charge.
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