Hampshire Hospice plants trees in memory of the late Queen
The event took place in the garden of Jacksplace
Naomi House & Jacksplace planted trees in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy.
The event took place in the garden of Jacksplace, a hospice in Hampshire for young adults.
Joshua Houchen, a young adult that uses the services at Jacksplace, planted the trees, alongside Faith Ramsey, Chair of Naomi House & Jacksplace, and Nigel Atkinson Esq, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire.
The Lord-Lieutenant is the personal representative of HM King Charles lll in Hampshire.
The Queen’s Green Canopy is a tree planting initiative created to mark the Platinum Jubilee. His Majesty the King has extended the initiative in memoriam to honour the late Queen.
The trees have been planted at the hospice’s gardens near the charity’s Memory Garden, so that families who use and visit the hospices can enjoy them. The trees (Willow, Crab Apple and Cherry Blossom) have been generously sponsored by Royal Warrant Holders, Bendicks.
Joshua Houchen said:
“Today has been great, I was so happy to be asked to be involved. I think the trees will mean a lot to families here, especially bereaved families, with them being positioned next to the memory garden. I’ve come to Naomi House & Jacksplace for a long time – since before Jacksplace was opened. Jacksplace means everything to me. It’s a chance for me to come and have a break, and for my parents to be able to take a break too. The care here is some of the best.”
Anne Hollamby, Royal Warrant Grantee Bendicks Chocolates, said:
“We are delighted to participate in the Queen’s Green Canopy, creating a living legacy and serving as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty the Queen. Naomi House & Jacksplace make an amazing difference every day to support seriously ill children. We have been associated with them over many years and we can think of no better place to plant the trees than next to their memory garden.”
Joining the tree planting ceremony was two Deputy Lord Lieutenants Prof Khalid Aziz (former Chair and Lifetime President of NH&JP) and Lady Portal, Mrs Christine Atkinson, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire’s wife, and representatives from Naomi House & Jacksplace, Bendicks and Bendicks’ parent company, Stork.
Mark Smith, Chief Executive at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said:
“Being involved in the Queen’s Green Canopy is a real honour and pleasure for everyone at Naomi House & Jacksplace and a wonderful way to remember Queen Elizabeth II, and her many years of selfless and dedicated service. The trees, planted close to the garden path and next to our memory garden in the grounds of Jacksplace hospice, will provide an accessible tribute to Her Majesty that will live in our memory and be a reminder for many years to come. We are proud that King Charles III opened Naomi House in 1988 as the then Prince of Wales, and so our involvement in the Queen’s Green Canopy continues our association with Monarchs past, present and into the future, as the trees grow.”