Special garden to remember loved ones reopens after renovation

The Marie Curie Children’s Garden of Hope at Greenbank Park officially reopened to the public after a £3,900 investment to improve the space.

The garden, which first opened in 2005, was designed to offer a tranquil place where bereaved children and young people can go to remember loved ones who were affected by terminal illness. 

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Greenbank Park, the garden has several special features including mosaic stepping stones, designed by local bereaved children.

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Thanks to the recent investment from the Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool, Liverpool City Council and a crowdfunding campaign from the Friends of Greenbank Park, the space has now been enhanced with a new gravel floor, replanted flower beds and a wall plaque, featuring an inspirational quote from Marie Curie herself.

Rachel Morris, Marie Curie Children’s & Young Persons Councillor, said: “It’s often the case that children and young people struggle to find a place to reflect and remember loved ones, especially on difficult days such as birthdays and anniversaries. Cemeteries can often be an intimidating and frightening place for them too, so our Garden of Hope offers a safe and quiet place for them to reflect, play and spend time with family or friends.

“Thanks to the continued support of the Marie Curie Hospice, the council and the Friends of Greenbank Park, we’ve been able to revitalise the space and ensure it continues to be a welcoming space.”

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Phil Osborne, from Knotty Ash, and his children received support from the Bereavement Service at the Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool after his wife was diagnosed as terminally ill. Speaking at the event, he said: “The gardens is a great space for the children to play and just be happy. It’s somewhere we can go as a family to spend time together and get out of the house. We used to love going for walks and picnics when my wife was alive so it’s important that we continue to do this – and the Garden of Hope is the perfect place.

“Without the help of the Marie Curie Bereavement Service, I’d have been completely lost. It gave myself and my family the confidence and continuous emotional support we needed to help get through an incredibly difficult time.”

The Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool provides emotional, spiritual and bereavement support to adults, children and young people before and after the loss of their loved one. To find out more about the service contact 0151 801 1406 or email liverpool.hospice@mariecurie.org.uk.

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