IT'S a tranquil setting where families and friends can remember their loved ones.
Families gathered for the official opening of the Dove House Hospice Memory Garden and launch of the Memory Tree sculpture.
The peaceful garden, situated on-site at the hospice in East Hull is unique to the area, offering families the opportunity to pay tribute to a loved one with an engraving on the distinctive Memory Tree.
A large number of families had already ordered engravings upon the tree in anticipation of the official launch. They were all invited to the grand unveiling on Saturday.
Tania Wood, Dove House Hospice's donor development fundraiser, said: "Our new garden provides a secluded and tranquil space for families across Hull and East Yorkshire to pay tribute to a loved one.
"It's been a real pleasure to welcome so many of our supporters here today and we hope to welcome many more in the future."
The ribbon was cut by David Ward, husband of mum-of-six Zoe Ward, who died at the hospice in 2011. Mr Ward, of west Hull, has become a tireless fundraiser for the hospice. He was joined at the ceremony by other members of his late wife's family.
He said: "I though it was an honour to be asked and I was really proud. We were among the first to buy a dove on the tree and we've been fundraising."
The life-sized tree sculpture is adorned with 500 autumnal coloured leaves. Five elegant silver doves and ten foundation stones create a stunning piece of art. Each element can be engraved with the name of a loved one as a lasting tribute to their memory. The garden has its own entrance, independent of the hospice, so families can visit as and when they wish.
Gates to the garden will be open from 9am to 9pm seven days-a-week. People will be able to use it as a place of remembrance even if there is no previous connection to the hospice.
One regular visitor to the garden is Karen Laws. A leaf on the tree is a lasting tribute to her daughter Tammy O'Loughlin. Tammy was only 25 when she died at Dove House Hospice in 2002. She had been suffering ovarian cancer. Karen says the staff and volunteers who looked after her daughter were amazing. Engravings are still available on the Dove House Hospice Memory Tree.
Anyone who would like to remember their loved one with an engraving on the tree can order a leaf at www.dovehouse.org.uk/memorytree where they can also find more information and photographs of the garden. Alternatively, call 01482 785743 for details.
Families gathered for the official opening of the Dove House Hospice Memory Garden and launch of the Memory Tree sculpture.
The peaceful garden, situated on-site at the hospice in East Hull is unique to the area, offering families the opportunity to pay tribute to a loved one with an engraving on the distinctive Memory Tree.
A large number of families had already ordered engravings upon the tree in anticipation of the official launch. They were all invited to the grand unveiling on Saturday.
Tania Wood, Dove House Hospice's donor development fundraiser, said: "Our new garden provides a secluded and tranquil space for families across Hull and East Yorkshire to pay tribute to a loved one.
"It's been a real pleasure to welcome so many of our supporters here today and we hope to welcome many more in the future."
The ribbon was cut by David Ward, husband of mum-of-six Zoe Ward, who died at the hospice in 2011. Mr Ward, of west Hull, has become a tireless fundraiser for the hospice. He was joined at the ceremony by other members of his late wife's family.
He said: "I though it was an honour to be asked and I was really proud. We were among the first to buy a dove on the tree and we've been fundraising."
The life-sized tree sculpture is adorned with 500 autumnal coloured leaves. Five elegant silver doves and ten foundation stones create a stunning piece of art. Each element can be engraved with the name of a loved one as a lasting tribute to their memory. The garden has its own entrance, independent of the hospice, so families can visit as and when they wish.
Gates to the garden will be open from 9am to 9pm seven days-a-week. People will be able to use it as a place of remembrance even if there is no previous connection to the hospice.
One regular visitor to the garden is Karen Laws. A leaf on the tree is a lasting tribute to her daughter Tammy O'Loughlin. Tammy was only 25 when she died at Dove House Hospice in 2002. She had been suffering ovarian cancer. Karen says the staff and volunteers who looked after her daughter were amazing. Engravings are still available on the Dove House Hospice Memory Tree.
Anyone who would like to remember their loved one with an engraving on the tree can order a leaf at www.dovehouse.org.uk/memorytree where they can also find more information and photographs of the garden. Alternatively, call 01482 785743 for details.
