Hi! We're Hannah and Jordan!

After our darling Isabella Rose was born sleeping in July 2020, 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 come along to. We came across the memorial tree at Ray Mill Island in Maidenhead which is run by SANDS Berkshire charity. This offers a place to remember in a family friendly manner. Little did we know at this point how a quiet space, in beautiful surroundings, would help us. This tree gave us more than just a safe space, it gave us insight that unfortunately we weren't alone with our heartbreak and many other little souls gain their angel wings too early. This tree is sadly full, so other families will not be able to benefit from what we are so grateful to have.

This inspired us to explore the possibility of a tree within our local community. We reached out to Henley Town Council with high hopes, but very little knowledge of the process. However, through sheer determination, and the support and consideration of the council we are thrilled to say we received approval to move forward with our plan.

To ensure the memorial tree will be of the highest quality, we contacted Gavin Hadley, a renowned fabricator who has created several memorial trees for causes like ours. His previous work includes the SANDS memorial tree in Maidenhead, as well as trees dedicated to Ella’s memory in a hospital garden, and another for Sue Ryder at one of their care facilities in a private garden. Gavin’s experience and dedication to his craft made him the perfect person to bring this vision to life.

Our Henley Tree, will take on a very similar look to the tree at Ray Mill Island, with Gavin creating the main sculpture, and over the years the tree will be filled with leaves as parents place their personalised leaf among the branches; surrounded by other babies names who sadly passed away before, during or shortly after birth.

Together with the support of the Henley Town Council, we have selected a location for the memorial tree in a picturesque, peaceful setting, making it a fitting and tranquil space for remembrance. It’s a location that will, we hope, bring comfort to all who visit.

However, creating this special place comes at a significant cost. The total expense of having the tree made is around £16,000. To make this vision a reality, we are now focused on fundraising, hoping to raise the necessary funds for what we feel and hope is a permanent & important addition to Henley and the wider community.

Follow along with us, as we complete our fundraising mission with the support of our friends and family.

We ask if you are able to share or spare anything to support this project, we and many others would be immensely grateful.