Hospital charity opens Memory Garden with support from local business

Solihull Hospital Charity has officially opened the Solihull Hospital Memory Garden this month.

Located outside the North Entrance of the hospital, the garden was generously funded by local business, GM Building and Property Services Limited.

The purpose of the garden is to provide a peaceful and calming space away from the busy hospital setting where families and relatives can sit and enjoy a quiet moment. The garden can be used by patients and families, offering a safe place to reflect and think about their loved ones who are currently going through treatment or who have sadly passed away.

Staff are also welcome to sit in the garden to take a moment away from the hectic hospital wards, encouraging mental health breaks and positive wellbeing.

Estelle Greenwood from GM Building and Property Services Limited designed the garden for the hospital charity.

Estelle said: “I am really proud and honoured to have been able to create the garden for Solihull Hospital and the hospital charity. It’s a very serene and quiet place where you can come and visit if you are grieving or to reflect on a happy memory of a loved one.

“I really hope it creates a wonderful space for people to come and sit quietly and remember.”

The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie attended the event and cut the ribbon to officially open the garden.

Councillor Annette Mackenzie said: “It’s a privilege to be here in this quiet place of beauty and reflection. The Memory Garden at Solihull Hospital is more than a space, it’s a symbol of remembrance, gratitude and love. In the midst of a busy world, this garden offers a moment to pause to remember.”

To keep the garden as beautiful a space both now and in the future, Solihull Hospital Charity has set up an online dedication page, which will act as a permanent memorial for the Memory Garden.

Visitors to the garden can scan a QR code on the garden plaque which will take them to the dedication page where they can leave a message and a picture in memory of their loved one. There is the opportunity to add a dedication for as little as £5 and all of the funds received through the page will go directly back into supporting patients, their families, and staff at Solihull Hospital.

It is hoped that this space will provide an opportunity to reflect, remember and grieve for many families, friends, and colleagues, over the years, whilst leaving a lasting tribute through the page and donations to continue the great care at the hospital.

 Charlotte Schofield, Director of Fundraising for the hospital charity said: “We are extremely grateful to GM Building and Property Services Limited for supporting and funding the Solihull Hospital Memory Garden. They have helped us create a special space for people to remember a loved family member or friend.

“The garden is particularly poignant for those who have had a close connection to Solihull Hospital where this was their final resting place or where the family have happy memories or received exceptional care.

“The dedication page will continue to support the Memory Garden and help Solihull Hospital Charity fund future projects to benefit patients, their families and the staff.”

You can visit the Solihull Hospital Memory Garden dedication page HERE.

To find out how you can support Solihull Hospital Charity, visit the website.