Couple launch appeal for £16,000 tree memorial

A COUPLE have launched a fundraising appeal for a tree sculpture to be installed in Henley to commemorate babies lost through stillbirth and neonatal death.

Hannah and Jordan Greenwood lost their daughter, Isabella Rose, in July 2020 and have a leaf with her name engraved on a memorial tree on Ray Mill Island in Maidenhead but it is now full.

The project has been approved by the town council and space has been earmarked within the Sue Ryder Woodland at 40 Acre Field, off Pack and Prime Lane.

Mrs Greenwood, 31, said: “After our darling Isabella Rose was born sleeping, we as a family have focused our energy on helping others who have been or are going through similar heartbreak.

“A short while after Issy’s funeral, we decided as a family that we would like a special place to honour Issy, which her brothers could also visit.

“We came across the memorial tree at Ray Mill Island in Maidenhead, which offered us more than a safe space. It gave us insight into a shared grief and comfort knowing we weren’t alone.

“However, this tree is sadly full and other families won’t be able to benefit from what we are so grateful to have. This inspired us to explore the possibility of creating a tree within our local community.

“I spoke to my husband and I really wanted to see if we could get one almost on our doorstep. We know it won't just be a Henley community who use it. It will also provide more opportunities for people far and wide.

“We hope the tree will provide a peaceful, family-friendly space for remembrance, and a source of comfort for families navigating unimaginable loss. We are so grateful for the support and consideration of the town council in helping us move forward with this special project.”

The estimated cost of the sculpture, which will be designed by fabricator Gavin Hadley in marine-grade mirror-polished stainless steel with bronze-coloured leaves, is about £16,000.

The steel is corrosion-resistant with no rough finishes and the mirror finish has been picked to reflect nature and soften the impact on the surrounding environment.

It would be set into a small concrete base, which would be grassed over. The council will buy about 300 leaves for the tree at a cost of £30 each. Mr Hadley’s previous work includes memorial trees for SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death) Berkshire and projects for hospital gardens and Sue Ryder care facilities.

Mrs Greenwood hopes the tree would be a “comfort” for families who have experienced loss. She said: “There are quite a few parents who go to the tree in Maidenhead who are from the Willows Support Group, a baby loss network.

“We met loads of mums who had a loss at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and they’re supported by that group. I'm in contact with a few of them and we almost found that, since our loss, it was much bigger than what you would have imagined.

“It’s such a personal thing for families. Even though there are all these names on it, it has built a community that when you go there and you see another family, you have this automatic bond because you’ve gone through the same thing and you’re both there for the same reason. That tree was built in 2019 and within those five years, it has reached full capacity of 400 leaves.

“Usually, on Isabella’s birthday, we will go or sit by the tree. Where the new one will be is so rural and picturesque, you can take your dogs and children. When this one gets built in Henley, I think people will almost be shocked by how quickly it will build up.

“I've had quite a few women message me already asking how they go about buying a leaf.”

Mr and Mrs Greenwood, who have two sons, Finley, three, and Oliver, nine, previously raised more than £2,000 for Cuddle Cot, a charity which supports people affected by baby loss. They have so far raised £600 towards the tree funding.

Mrs Greenwood said: “We don’t want to push ourselves to a target date because we know we've got a lot to raise. However, with the support of everyone behind us and how many people's lives it does actually touch, I don't think it will take too long to raise the funds.”

Town clerk Sheridan Jacklin-Edward said: “We are honoured to support the installation of this tree, which we hope will serve as a lasting tribute to those who have endured the profound loss of a child. It will stand as a symbol of remembrance and hope for all who grieve.”

Councillor Glen Lambert, who chairs the council’s town and community committee, added: “The Sue Ryder Woodland, which is owned by the town council, is a remote and peaceful place, surrounded by nature, that is easily accessible for Henley families making it an ideal location for such a memorial.”

To donate to the project, visit https://tinyurl.com/5bu72269