A Memorial Garden aimed at providing a lasting tribute to lives lost has been selected by Aviva to benefit from their community fund.
The Aviva Community Fund celebrates and supports charities doing great work all over the UK, providing thousands of causes with funding, skills and resources to help them develop and innovate in this time of need.
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity want to create a space for people to remember those who have given the gift of life, highlighting the importance of organ and tissue donation across the region, as well remembering those sadly lost throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Paula Wilson, Head of Charities and Fundraising at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We are delighted to have been chosen to take part in the Community Fund, as this will be a beautiful space for contemplation and reflection for all of our staff and visitors. We want to honour those we have lost and show our gratitude and respect to those who have given the gift of life to others, and the Memorial Garden will do just that. We would be extremely grateful to anyone who could support us by donating to our fund to help make this project a reality.”
Catherine Roberts, Consultant in Critical Care and Emergency Medicine at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“This is a wonderful project, and one we hope will highlight the importance of organ and tissue donation and how this can help save many lives. Individual donors have the potential to save up to 9 lives, so the Memorial Garden will be an incredible place to remember those who have made such a difference through donating organs. Memorial gardens can often help visitors with the grieving process, and I am really looking forward to seeing the results.”
An elegantly designed metal tree sculpture will feature in the garden, surrounded by seating for staff and visitors to sit and reflect on the last few months, whether remembering patients or loved ones they have lost, those who have contributed to an organ donation or simply for some quiet time.
It is hoped that the introduction of the garden will help to improve mental and emotional wellbeing with research showing projects like this can help to improve mood and lower stress.
