Family creates tribute to grandma at St Luke’s Hospital after ‘compassionate care’ in final days
A family has transformed the garden at St Luke’s Hospital into a lasting tribute to their beloved grandmother after the compassionate care she received in her final days.
Jill Barnett died aged 92 after a stroke.
The woman, affectionately known as “Mamar” by her family, spent her final days in the hospital’s end-of-life suite in Market Harborough, where staff looked after her.
Her family wanted to thank the staff for the kindness they showed Jill and the family, and asked for donations instead of flowers at her funeral.
The donations were matched by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s registered charity, Raising Health, with the money going towards the transformation of the garden surrounding the suite.
Jill’s family and friends joined a team of volunteers from insurance company AXA helped to clear the garden, repaint the bench, refresh planting beds and add flowers and plants.
Amy Gray, Jill’s granddaughter, said: “When my grandmother was moved to the end-of-Life suite, our family was facing one of the hardest times imaginable. We will always be grateful that this service was there when we needed it most. The kindness, dignity and compassion shown by the staff meant so much to all of us.
“We wanted to do something meaningful to say thank you and to make a difference for other families who will find themselves in the same situation. Knowing that this garden will provide a peaceful place for patients and loved ones to spend time together and create precious memories means a great deal to us. It feels like a fitting tribute to Mamar and a way for her legacy to continue helping others.”
Magda Korytkowska, fundraising manager for Raising Health, said: “This project demonstrates the incredible impact that can be achieved when families, communities, corporate partners and charitable funding come together with a shared purpose.
“We hope this story inspires others who have experienced care within our Trust to consider supporting our charity. Every donation, fundraising activity and volunteering effort helps us create projects that make a real difference to patients, families and staff.”
The renovated garden will continue to serve as a calm and reflective outdoor space for patients receiving palliative care and their families.