Milton Keynes companies have helped Willen Hospice mark the first anniversary of the Tree of Life by redeveloping the surrounding Peace Garden.
Local recruitment specialists, Charterhouse Medical, along with Elite Lawn Solutions and Phil Hewitson, a landscape architect, generously donated their time and supplied expertise, plants and materials to develop a beautifully planted Peace Garden around the Tree of Life. The tree is a handcrafted metal structure with engraved leaves commemorating the lives of people who have died, whether at the Hospice or elsewhere.
The new planting reflects each season, with added lighting illuminating the area all year round, giving grieving families a tranquil place to visit.
Vincent Moran, Fundraising Manager at Willen Hospice says “Autumn leaves are falling at this time of year, but at the Hospice, the leaves on our tree are growing and bringing light and hope to those who have lost someone close. The Peace Garden gives families and friends a place to come throughout the year; to visit or mark memorable occasions like anniversaries or birthdays.
“We’re particularly grateful to these businesses for doing something so special for the Hospice.”
In the past year, over 60 people have hung individually engraved leaves on the tree in remembrance. Some leaves have quotes or personal messages; other have special dates or names and many have been personalised with ribbons or items that mean something to the family. Bereaved families are invited to visit the tree and garden for quiet reflection at any time.
The Tree of Life project is a result of local business and artistic collaboration. Will Jones, a local blacksmith conceptualised and crafted the tree. Brian Mitchell, a local retired landscape architect originally designed the garden to frame the tree and provide a quiet haven.
The Hospice needs to raise £9 a minute to provide ongoing care.
By dedicating a leaf on the Tree of Life, people in the local community help Willen Hospice to support patients who are facing life-limiting illnesses.
For more information or to order a leaf, please call 01908 303074, visit www.willen-hospice.org.uk/TreeofLife or email leaf@willen-hospice.org.uk
