The first garden party to mark the new Memory Tree at East Cheshire Hospice was a major success.
Guests honoured the memory of lost loved ones as they enjoyed afternoon tea while relaxing in the Hospice gardens.
Even the rain stayed away for an event destined to become a regular occasion on the charity’s calendar.
Almost 80 names are now engraved on leaves dedicated to the memory of someone special, even if that person has no link to the charity.
The Hospice is encouraging more people to join the scheme. Subscription is £10 a month, or £120 a year.
A total of 400 leaves are available, with the name of a loved one engraved along with a message if desired.
Representatives from AstraZeneca, whose employees gifted the memorial, attended the garden party.
Guests at the Memory Tree garden party at East Cheshire Hospice.
Rachel Allcock, the charity’s Income Generation Director, explained to guests that it now costs £9,362 a day to run the Hospice which receives 21 per cent of funding from government.
She said: “The Hospice continues to expand and we’ve recently broadened our dementia and Hospice @Home services.
“The new Sunflower Living Well Centre has also just reopened and it is thanks to the generosity of supporters like you that we’re able to make such improvements.
“Thank you to the loved ones who you honour on our Memory Tree. They would be proud to see their names up there and I’m sure they would be proud to know that your support will help others just like them.”
The Memory Tree, which was unveiled last October, is situated in a discreet peaceful setting and easily accessible without entering the main Hospice building on Millbank Drive.
Amy Williams (left) and Beth England from the Hospice beside the Memory Tree.
The metal tree, made by sculptor Christopher Townsend, was created as a way of marking the 35th anniversary of the charity which cared for its first patient in February 1988.
* To sign up to the Memory Tree visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/memory-tree.
For queries, contact amy.williams@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 665688.
Back to all newsThank you so much for choosing to support East Cheshire Hospice. You may never know how much your gift means, but we know that it will make the world of difference to our patients and their families.
