The Queen’s Memory Lives on in St Gemma’s Gardens
Visitors and patients can remember Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II through a special tree from The Queen’s Green Canopy planted in our Hospice gardens this spring.
The Rowan formed part of the magnificent ‘Tree of Trees’ sculpture that stood outside Buckingham Palace in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and now stands proud in our peaceful gardens.
We are delighted to have been chosen as just one of twelve charities across West Yorkshire to receive one of the British native trees. Our team of garden staff and volunteers have been busy over recent months redeveloping an area of the garden to serve as the tree’s new home, as well as tending to the sapling over the winter.
Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Ed Anderson is the King’s representative in the county and nominated where the trees should be planted across West Yorkshire. Ed, who is also one of the Hospice’s patrons, chose St Gemma’s as a beneficiary and visited us last week to plant the tree.
At the tree planting ceremony, Ed was joined by some of the nursing and medical team, Team Leader Gardener Andy Brown and several garden volunteers, as well as special guests from the Sisters of the Cross and Passion – the founders of St Gemma’s Hospice. He said:
“Through my close involvement with the charity I’ve seen the amazing work St Gemma’s Hospice does in providing a vital resource to patients and their families.
“When I was asked for recommendations for where the trees should go, I had absolutely no hesitation in suggesting St Gemma’s.”
Kerry Jackson, St Gemma’s Chief Executive, said: “The tree is a lovely addition to our garden and a respectful memory to Her Majesty the Queen for many years to come.”
We’re honoured to have this special reminder of the Queen’s legacy at the Hospice.
The tree is visible from our patients’ rooms at the Hospice, all of which have a garden view, and sits near the Young People’s Pavilion, currently under construction.