‘Little Haven’ opens at Derriford Hospital
A special thank you to LeighAnne Hedges, from Little Things Angel Clothes and all of the volunteers, known as the 'Angel Army', who have helped to create a tranquil space, within the grounds of Derriford Hospital, known as Little Haven, for people to go to remember babies and children who have passed away.
After months of hard work and dedication, the garden will be officially opened at Derriford Hospital with a ribbon cutting on Friday 24 July at 5pm.
LeighAnne said: “Without the hard work and commitment of our volunteers, this garden would not have been possible and throughout the process, everyone that I have encountered has been so unbelievably supportive.
“I would like to say a big thank you to South Western Highways for their help, Little Haven memorial gardenas without it, it would have taken so much longer.
“Even before completion, the garden is serving a purpose because grieving parents have come together and helped to create something so beautiful and whilst doing this, have spoken of their babies and shared with other families their grief.
“Through this process, friends have been made and with one common goal in mind, we have achieved more than I ever thought possible. The garden is now a beautiful, calm and a tranquil space, but already it is so much more than that.”
A memory lane of pebbles has been created and members of the public can bring along a pebble bearing their baby’s name or collect one from LeighAnne to decorate and lay at a later date.
Sue Stock, Head of Midwifery said: “It is inspiring that so many volunteers support us in caring for local families. Indeed, Women's and Children's services are enhanced hugely by the many projects that are led externally in this way.
“Little Haven is an amazing area of tranquillity, remarkable amidst our busy environment, that I know will be valued and utilised by many families. We could not be more grateful to LeighAnne for her unfaltering commitment to this project and the many volunteers who supported in ensuring the actualisation of such a special resource.”
Andrew Davies, Facilities and Environmental Services Manager said: “The Trust was really pleased to be able to identify an area of the site which was suitable to meet the goals of this project.
“We have supported LeighAnne and the project as much as required and have encouraged our contractors to actively volunteer their skills when required. LeighAnne has worked so hard to bring this project to fruition, she is an inspiration to us all and the results are clear for everyone to see.
“Our Chairman, Chief Executive and all of our Executive Team are verLittle Haven memorial gardeny proud of what LeighAnne and her band of willing volunteers have achieved in such a short space of time and we hope that parents who have suffered a loss will get a great benefit from this.”
If you have any queries or would like to collect a decorated pebble, please contact LeighAnne Hedges on littlethingsangelclothes@live.co.uk
You can see progress photos of the garden on the Little Things Facebook page http://bit.ly/LittleThingsangelclothes
