Memory Tree unveiled at Hayward House

A special Memory Tree has been unveiled at Hayward House palliative care centre, at the City Hospital in Nottingham.

The ornamental, metal tree contains leaves which can be engraved and dedicated in celebration, recognition or remembrance of patients and staff at Nottingham’s NHS hospital.

Nottingham Hospitals Charity created the tree to give families a special way of remembering their loved ones, and thanking the NHS staff who cared for them.

Supporters can make a donation for a bronze, silver or gold leaf, which is then engraved with their dedication message, and placed on the tree in Hayward House.

Colette Farley, whose mother Angela Farley was cared for at Hayward House before she passed away, said: “The care that my mum received at Hayward House was outstanding, absolutely five-star; I can’t put into words the difference it made to her end of life. This tree is a lasting memorial, it is stunning and it’s just a beautiful idea to remember a loved one.”

Donors may have loved ones who were cared for anywhere across Nottingham’s NHS hospital. After their leaf has been displayed on the Memory Tree for one year, donors are given the choice of renewing it for another year, or having it delivered to them in a special keepsake box.

Louise Knight, Head of Fundraising at Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “We have many donors who want to do something special to commemorate their loved ones, while thanking the staff who cared for them during their time in hospital.

“Our Memory Tree is a wonderful way of doing just that, as well as bringing some elegance to the Hayward House reception area where it’s situated. We’re delighted to unveil the tree today, and look forward to adding many more leaves over the coming weeks and months.”