Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People
Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People was founded by Gail and Harry Moore, whose daughter, Laura, died of Leukaemia in 1989. Laura's favourite thing in the world was a rainbow. Rainbows opened its doors in 1994 and this year is celebrating its 25th anniversary. As the only hospice of its kind in the East Midlands, Rainbows supports children and young people suffering from life-limiting conditions. It provides end of life care, symptom management, short breaks and respite care to hundreds of families from Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire.
Here at Greenfingers Charity, we've designated much-needed funds to extend and update the hospice’s Remembrance Garden, a very special and unique place where a lifetime of memories can be held. It also provides families with a place to reflect and connect with the memories of their children, and as such, demands the deepest care and respect.
Greenfingers Charity has commissioned VaRa Garden Design to re-design the Remembrance Garden, working within the brief set by hospice staff to create “a garden which will reflect the beauty of each child whose memory is held in this space. Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: “The team at VaRa Garden Design have sensitively created a plan which will ensure that the existing beauty of the garden can be extended. The new design includes additional seating areas for places of quiet reflection, complemented by year-round planting. New trees will provide additional privacy, whilst a new water feature will add a sense of calm. New pathways will help visitors journey around the space.”
A local metal company, Caltef Designs, will be designing and installing a bespoke memorial tree where newly bereaved families will be offered the opportunity to attach a personalised glass memorial leaf. This stunning tree will provide a beautiful focal point in the centre of the garden, providing an ongoing heart to this special place.
Rainbows’ Psychological and Bereavement Lead, David Hamilton, works with families that have already lost a child, and has offered reassurance that existing plaques will not be moved, and all work will be done so respectfully.
The project is currently out to tender and will be built in spring 2020, thanks to support from many friends of Greenfingers Charity. We will keep you posted about this special garden as work progresses.