A fundraising drive has been launched to create a bereavement garden at Barrow’s Furness General Hospital.
The bereavement service at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, wants to create the garden to help ease the overwhelming emotional distress that often comes with loss.
The garden will be near the mortuary, away from the public and designed for solace, reflection and connection.
Danielle Sadler, bereavement nurse specialist, said: “This special space will be more than a garden. It will provide essential restoration for our bereaved and grievers.
“The thoughtful design will ensure that all ages and needs are catered for, ensuring a welcoming space with features that promote accessibility, comfort and inclusivity.
“The garden will also be available for our dedicated and compassionate staff, who carry the weight of others’ pain every day in addition to their own grief, offering staff a reflective space to honour their own feelings. It will be a place where our community can unite and come together in hope, remembrance, shared support and healing.
“This vision cannot become a reality without the help of our local community – our colleagues, patients, friends and families.”
Funds would be used to pay for some structural changes and landscaping, seating and sensory-rich features that inspire peace and hope.
Construction can start as soon as the service has raised enough funds. The team has already had the offer of help from staff and volunteers who are keen to contribute their time, expertise and enthusiasm to the project.
Danielle added: “Every donation will bring us closer to creating this sanctuary, offering solace to those who need it the most.”
to donate, visit https://www.bayhospitalscharity.org/fundraisers/swan-bereavement-garden-fgh
