Memorial garden unveiled to remember three Mayfield School pupils

The garden, in the grounds of Mayfield School, will be used as a place for ‘happy reflection’ as well as outdoor lessons by pupils of all ages.

Plaques were unveiled for three pupils who have passed away, alongside items which had special meanings for each of them including dragonflies, Minnie Mouse stepping stones and Mr Tumble cushions and bunting.

Staff and pupils admire the details of the memorial garden (Image: Submitted)

The pupils’ parents were invited to the Whitehaven school to officially open the garden.

Helen Richardson, parent of one of the pupils, Leo Cowper, said: “The memorial garden is going to be such an amazing place for families to visit. A place that is calm, comforting and beautifully designed.

“Losing a child or sibling in any circumstance is a pain you can’t describe but small things like this offer some comfort.

"When we walked into the garden it was so comforting, our girls (Leo’s siblings) spotted the dragonflies which we remember Leo by, and we saw all the other items that were memories for the other families. Although it was so emotional, it is going to be a well-loved area for students and families like us, to go, reflect and have time when needed.’’

A letterbox has also been installed at the entrance to the garden to allow pupils to post a 'letter to heaven’.

Helen said: “It’s so important to be able to talk or write feelings down, especially for the siblings that have lost a brother or a sister. It is so hard for them to process, the trauma that they’ve been through and for us as a family is hard.’’

She added: “We felt a closeness to Leo in the garden and we know he would have loved the area. Thank you to all the people who have made this happen - it’s simply beautiful.’’

The memorial garden will be used as a place for ‘happy reflection’ (Image: Submitted)

Gemma Dobson, whose daughter Abbie is also remembered in the garden, said: “We are delighted with the memorial garden and so pleased we have somewhere to come and visit to remember Abbie.

“She loved her time at Mayfield and was always so happy at the school so it’s nice to be able to remember her in a space that we know she would have loved.’’

Work on the garden has been sponsored and carried out by Altrad, DSD and Mossop’s.

Kieron Rogers, of Altrad, said ”It’s an absolute pleasure for us at Altrad to be able to be a part of this. What I witnessed at the ceremony was nothing but amazing.

“Seeing the pupils’ faces and how they interacted around the garden was incredible to see and gave them a special place to remember their friends.’’

And he added: “The reaction from the parents was very emotional and this made everything worthwhile.”

Stephen Carruthers, of Altrad; Carolyn Westnedge, assistant head; Kieron Rogers of Altrad and Clemmie Mossop of Mossop's (Image: Submitted)

Carolyn Westnedge, assistant headteacher, said: "We are so excited to open the memorial garden which has been a project of ours for over a year.

“The garden will offer a space to remember our friends and celebrate their lives. It was lovely to welcome the families to school and show them the space.”

Sophie McCabe, head at Mayfield, said: “We have created this memorial garden as a tribute to our Mayfield angels.

“It is wonderful that we are now in a position to share the outcome of the project and we must thank Altrad, DSD and Mossop’s who sponsored the garden.”