Memorial garden given the green light at Royal Preston Hospital

Designs for the memorial garden at Royal Preston Hospital

A memorial garden aimed at providing a lasting tribute to lives lost has been selected to benefit from Aviva’s community fund.

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity wants to create a space at its Royal Preston Hospital 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 lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advertisements

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.

Advertisements

“We would be extremely grateful to anyone who could support us by donating to our fund to help make this project a reality.”

See the latest coronavirus updates in your area below

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 nine 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.”

A 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, as well as helping to improve mood and lower stress levels.

To make a donation towards the Memorial Garden, click here.

What do you think of the plans for the memorial garden? Tell us in the comments below.