Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice are asking people to remember their loved ones through their Garden of Memories event.

The annual event means a lot to local families who would like to remember those who made a special imprint on their lives.

Dawn Breen, from Liverpool, was supported by the hospice and took part in the Garden of Memories last year after the death of her brother, Cameron.

Cameron died in August last year at the hospice, due to prostate cancer.

His sister, Dawn, was facing more than just the heartbreak of his illness, she was also dealing with the challenge of being far from home during his final weeks.

Dawn lives in Liverpool and travelled to Carlisle to be with Cameron while he was in hospital, but the cost of accommodation was more than she could manage.

During his four-week stay, Dawn felt she had no option but to stay in a small tent just outside the city.

When Cameron was later admitted to Eden Valley Hospice, things began to change.

Dawn quickly realised that the care extended beyond caring for her brother, it included her too.

After learning about her situation, the team offered her a place to stay in the on-site visitors’ flat.

Having a safe and comfortable place to stay meant Dawn could focus on what mattered most, spending time with her brother.

She remembers taking Cameron out into the hospice garden from his private bedroom on the ward so they could both enjoy the peace and quiet.

When Cameron passed away, Dawn placed his name amongst the Garden of Memories, which had been on display since they’d arrived.

Dawn added ‘Cammy’ among the forget-me-nots in the same garden where they had once shared those moments.

Remembering Cameron in this way has helped Dawn give something back, allowing others to experience the same care and support.

“Because of them, my brother’s death is not something I try to forget. Instead, it is a time I remember with meaning, with closeness, and even with moments of peace. That is something truly priceless.” said Dawn.

Michelle is a Healthcare Assistant at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw and shared her experience of how the Garden of Memories can support local families: “It’s a privilege to see how the smallest moments can mean so much to families like Dawn’s and her brother Cameron’s.

“By being part of the Garden of Memories, you allow patients to open their bedroom doors onto the garden and find a little moment of peace when they need it most.”

The garden is made up of specially crafted Forget-Me-Knots, with a wooden heart hung from the stem with the names of those being remembered written onto them.

To add your loved one to the Garden of Memories, simply donate to the hospice, referencing ‘Garden of Memories’, and share the dedication you wish to be added.

The hospice will host a special unveiling on Sunday, August 2, at 2:30pm in the hospice gardens, where families, friends, and neighbours are invited to gather, enjoy the surroundings, and celebrate the lives of those they hold dear.

The Forget-Me-Nots will remain on display throughout the month, becoming a feature of the hospice grounds for the public to visit.

All are welcome to attend and are encouraged to share the invitation with others.

Contributions made as part of the Garden of Memories directly support the hospice’s work with adults and children with life-limiting conditions. 

To make a dedication or learn more, please visit the website here or call on 01228 817613