M6toll to support restoration of local Sands Memorial Garden
Midland Expressway Ltd (operators of the M6toll) are proud to announce their support of local bereavement support service, Sands with £1,000 to support the restoration of the Sands Memorial Garden based at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Sands is the UK’s leading baby loss charity which works to save babies’ lives and support bereaved families. They are determined to save every life they can, and they do this by investing in research to improve maternity safety, campaigning for change, and working to reduce inequalities.
For over 20 years the Sands Memorial Garden at the National Memorial Arboretum has provided a peaceful, safe space for families to grieve and commemorate their losses, whenever they feel ready to do so. There are usually between 200 and 300 families attending Sands’ Garden Day. It is a time for reflection and remembrance with poetry, readings, and music. It is a vital time for families to get together and receive support from bereavement support services and peers.
Sands are embarking upon a vital restoration and maintenance project which will be supported by the M6toll to ensure the garden remains the peaceful protected space that has served the community for so long.
Designed in consultation with bereaved parents, the Memorial Garden provides a haven of peace and reflection available all year round. The restoration project will ensure families, local communities, Sands Support Groups, Befrienders, and all visitors to the National Memorial Arboretum are able to use the garden, helping families to support each other and their communities.
Jen Coates, Director of Bereavement Support Services said: “We are incredibly thankful to Midland Expressway Ltd for supporting the restoration of the Sands Memorial Garden. Our memorial gardens have, for many years, been peaceful and beautiful spaces for bereaved families to visit and remember their babies. The restoration of the Memorial Garden in Staffordshire will be a significant step in allowing bereaved families to use this space for many years to come to commemorate their much loved, and missed, babies”
Jo Brett; M6toll Charity Coordinator added: “We are extremely proud to be supporting the restoration of this special garden for local families within our community. The positive benefits of the environment on health and wellbeing are well documented, we hope the Sands Memorial Garden will support bereaved parents with a peaceful and safe space to grieve.”
Midland Expressway Ltd’s (MEL) donation forms part of a wider initiative to support local schools and community projects. MEL is always on the lookout for local charities and community projects to support. To register your charity or community project with MEL for consideration to receive fundraising or practical (volunteering) support now or in the future visit www.m6toll.co.uk for further information or email d4c@m6toll.co.uk
Back to news