Gloucestershire Royal Hospital is starting work to create a baby remembrance garden, thanks to donations from the local community and generous businesses.
Midwives at the hospital wanted to create a dedicated space for those affected by baby loss in Gloucestershire. The new garden aims to provide a peaceful place for grieving families to remember their babies, with a memory tree where they can write messages for their loved ones.
The garden also aims to provide a calming environment for staff at the hospital who have been caring for bereaved families.
Members of the community and local businesses have raised thousands of pounds to make the midwives' vision a reality, with the likes of Kier Group — the main contractor for Gloucester's The Forum development — working with its supply partners for free to get groundwork on this new green space underway, as well as providing a team of volunteers to help with planting.
Bereavement specialist midwife at Gloucestershire Hospitals, Nikki Dobson, said: 'We are thrilled to be able to commence work on the development of our remembrance garden. This much-needed space will provide a sanctuary for bereaved families and staff in which to reflect and find peace in this special place.
'We are extremely grateful to all of our generous fundraisers, including the businesses, sponsored walkers, bakers, wing walkers and school children. Not forgetting the staff members working behind the scenes on the project. Without these special people, none of this would have been possible.'
Community engagement manager for Kier Construction Western and Wales, Emma Deane, said: 'We are proud to be taking part in this important project and volunteering our time to create the remembrance garden.
'Sadly, too many families are affected by baby loss and we hope this garden will help to provide a place of comfort for people.'
Karen Organ, Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity partnerships manager, added: 'Kier have stepped up time and again to support the charity and we are so grateful for their help once again. The help from Kier and others means we can get actually spades in the ground to make this project a reality next year.
'Fundraising still continues for the project and there are still ways for individuals, community groups and companies to support it. Anyone wishing to donate or to find out more about how to get involved, can visit our website for more details.'
The baby remembrance garden is due to open in spring 2024.
