If you have visited the Hospice gardens in Brentry, you may have come across our Memory Tree. Many families have added a copper leaf, engraved with the name of their loved one. The tree was sculpted by a local blacksmith and has been 'planted' in the corner of the garden, to create a tranquil and private place for families to spend time in remembrance.
Judith from Stockwood has shared her memories of her husband Nigel, who was cared for by the Hospice before he passed away in 2019. The family had a leaf inscribed for him, which they hung last year.
"The tree is somewhere quiet, somewhere peaceful and somewhere that Nigel loved. It's something tangible and everlasting in the garden and a place where we can gather and remember him. Before he came to the Hospice, Nigel was frightened. The Hospice took away the anxiety for him and for us. He was a caring, friendly, easy going and popular man. He had a wicked grin and was a naughty boy when he was young! He loved pink, and lots of people at his funeral wore pink as a tribute to him."
When Nigel became more unwell, he was admitted to the Inpatient Unit for a review of his medication and at that point he became calmer and the anxiety left him. He died at home, with our Hospice nurses and Judith providing care.
"The support from the Hospice was above and beyond, more than I could ever have imagined, and full of care and understanding. I am so lucky to have had Nigel and I have such wonderful memories. You can't stop these things from happening, but it's my memories of Nigel that keep me going."
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