Call for parents to help with tree of remembrance

A special memory tree has taken root to help families remember children who have died at Scunthorpe hospital.

The beautiful boughs have been erected in the Disney ward garden thanks to the hospital’s official charity, The Health Tree Foundation.

The charity is now calling on local families who have suffered the heartache of losing a child to get in touch so a special metal leaf can be created in memory of their loved one.

The metal tree and leaves have been donated by Locate Supplies. The leaves will be engraved free of charge with the child’s name thanks to the local Timpson store.

The idea behind the tree came from the Disney ward sister Vikki Mcalpine and her staff who wanted to give parents an opportunity to remember their child.

Vikki said: “For a lot of families having a memento in remembrance of their loss is very important to them. To be able to place leaves on the memorial tree in the garden means their child’s memory will continue to live on.”

The charity is now appealing for families to contact them if they would like to include a leaf on the tree. HTF community champion Hayley Thompson said: “If your child has passed away in A&E or on the children’s ward please get in touch so we can make sure there is an everlasting reminder of them on the new tree.”

She said the charity would like to say a big thank you to Locate Supplies and Timpson for their help.

The first leaf to be placed on the tree was in memory of Sam Fewster who sadly passed away in 2003.

People wanting a leaf should contact Hayley Thompson on 03033 304514 or email Hayley.thompson3@nhs.net