New Garden of Remembrance at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Offers Comfort to Families Affected by Baby Loss
Parents and loved ones affected by baby loss now have a dedicated space for reflection and remembrance at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. The new Forget-me-not Garden has officially opened, offering a calming environment for families to visit and find solace.
The concept for the garden was initiated by midwives at Gloucestershire Hospitals, who recognised the need for a space where families could honour and remember their lost babies. This project was then made possible by Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity, with fundraising support from the Forget-me-not Parent Bereavement Group, Nikki Dobson, the Maternity Teams, and the unwavering commitment of our fundraisers within the community.
A special thanks goes to Kier Construction who worked with their supply partners free of charge to help get the green space started. Kier worked with a number of businesses to complete the groundwork and other projects. South West business D-Interiors also provided their services free of charge.
Nikki Dobson, Bereavement Specialist Midwife at Gloucestershire Hospitals, said: “We have a wonderful commemorative garden at the hospital created after the pandemic, which has become such a place of support for people. We were inspired by this to create a dedicated new garden at the hospital for everyone affected by the loss of a baby.
“It will be somewhere for people to go and remember their babies - where they can sit, reflect, and bring loved ones. The garden will also be a place for hospital staff who may have been affected by baby loss or who have cared for bereaved parents. It will be a space for everyone.”
At the heart of the Forget-me-not Garden stands a beautiful memory tree, crafted by the talented artist Clare McHugh. This tree serves as a centrepiece where parents affected by baby loss can dedicate a leaf in memory of their child. Each leaf will be displayed on the tree for two years, after which it will be gifted back to the family as a treasured keepsake.
The garden was designed by RHS award-winning GMS Grounds Manager Laura Ashton-Phillips, she said, "Creating the Forget-me-not Garden has been a deeply meaningful experience. We hope this space offers comfort and peace to all who visit, providing a sanctuary for quiet reflection and remembrance." The grounds team have been instrumental in the completion of the garden, dedicating their expertise and efforts to bring this vision to life.
Sadly, one in around 250 pregnancies in the UK ends in stillbirth, and more than one in five ends in miscarriage. The Forget-me-not Garden aims to provide a supportive space for those affected by these losses, recognising the deep impact they have on families.
The Forget-me-not Garden is now open for families and loved ones to visit. Families can also dedicate a leaf by following this link.