The first names have been engraved on leaves on a Memory Tree in the gardens of East Cheshire Hospice.
Each leaf is dedicated to the memory of someone special, even if they have no link to the charity.
The metal sculpture was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by families who have joined the scheme.
It was held beside the Memory Tree which is located in a discreet peaceful setting and easily accessible without entering the building.
The Hospice is hoping others will follow suit by dedicating leaves to lost loved ones. The subscription cost 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 new memorial, attended the unveiling.
Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston said: “The Memory Tree is a personal triumph for me. I’ve been with the Hospice for 10 years and when I first came I thought it was something we should have.
AstraZeneca employee representative Katie Morelli cuts the ribbon to open the Memory Tree watched by colleague Guy Camm (left) and Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston and Chair of the Trustee Board Will Spinks.
“I want to thank those who’ve bought inaugural leaves and hopefully their kind gesture will encourage others to do the same to raise vital funds for the Hospice.
“I want to thank the gardeners who’ve created such a special place. We found during Covid that people needed a space to come and enjoy the quiet.
“We couldn’t have a more supportive partner than AstraZeneca who’ve been synonymous with the Hospice since before we existed when we were just a plot of land.”
Guy Camm, AZ’s Macclesfield Campus FM Development Manager, said: “The Memory Tree represents a fantastic long-lasting way to remember those no longer here and we’re privileged to be involved in this project.
“Our relationship with the Hospice goes back many years and there’s a special bond between AZ employees and the charity.
“As charity partners, the Hospice work with integrity and they innovate – the level of care they provide to the local community is unbelievable and we thank you for everything that you do.”
Hospice Chaplain Marion Tugwood said: “Today we dedicate this tree to the memory of those we have loved and lost and we give thanks for those who have facilitated its place here. We rejoice in the memory that our loved ones are still with us.”
* 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.
