DERIAN House Children’s Hospice has been awarded a grant of £21,980 from HSBC UK which will be used to create a new memorial garden at the hospice.
The new memorial garden will reflect the hospice’s ongoing commitment to care for the bereaved and will provide a tranquil place for families to spend time remembering the child they have lost.
David Robinson, Chief Executive of Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “Working together with bereaved families, we have plans to create a beautiful space for quiet reflection and remembrance.
“It is vital we have these special places for every member of the family to visit and the HSBC UK grant is allowing us to make this happen. We are very grateful for their support.”
The funding was awarded as part of the HSBC UK ‘Supporting our Communities’ programme which supports local branches with their efforts to get involved and to support those most in need in their local communities.
Michael White, Branch Manager of HSBC UK Preston, said: “The entire Preston Branch team takes great pride in making a positive impact in our community. We are honoured to be able to help support the Derian House’s incredible mission to ensure every child and young person who comes to Derian is able to make the very most of the time they have.”
“These are particularly challenging times for many in our community, and we understand the important role we play in helping our customers, each other and the wider society we serve to navigate through, rebuild and thrive in the future.”
Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley cares for more than 400 children and young people with life-limiting conditions from across the North West.
Bereavement support is an essential service offered at Derian House and the hospice has already developed groups for parents, grandparents and siblings that provide the opportunity for interaction with other families in similar situations and to share experiences and make friends
Both Derian House families and hospice staff will be involved in the design of the new memorial garden to ensure the space meets the needs of those who will spend time there.
Ideas for the garden include a running water course and new water feature surrounded by creative planting.
John Pye, Trusts and Statutory Funding Manager at Derian House, said: “The HSBC UK Preston Branch team have been extremely helpful and supportive throughout the application process and we are delighted to receive the grant.
“We are also pleased to create an opportunity for HSBC UK staff from across the region to come volunteer their time and help maintain the garden. It will be fantastic to work together throughout the lifecycle of this project and for them to see the true value of the funding and the difference it makes to our families.”
