Retired AstraZeneca director Lumi Jitariu-Sharpe was moved to learn that colleagues had bought the Memory Tree at East Cheshire Hospice.
Lumi has an engraved leaf on the tree to remember husband Geoffrey (67) who died of cancer in 2023.
She joined others celebrating lost loved ones at the annual Memory Tree garden party on the Hospice lawns.
Lumi said: “The Memory Tree means a lot and what really touched me was the fact it came from a donation by AZ, the company I worked for at the time.
Hospice supporter Lumi Jitariu-Sharpe.
“It was gifted by employees, an amazing initiative from a company that gives so much support to the Hospice.
“It’s one of the best causes. Most AZ staff live in the area so everyone has family that, at some point in their lives, might end up here.
“It’s a place that deserves all the support in the world.”
Geoffrey, owner of a kitchen business in Altrincham, spent his last two days at the Hospice. He was diagnosed only six months earlier.
Lumi said: “He had just retired to become a full-time grandad. We started a new life in Wilmslow close to our grandchildren.
Guests at the Memory Tree garden party.
“His illness happened so quickly it was hard to adjust, but the Hospice was the best help we had during his entire journey.
“Hospice @Home looked after him for about six weeks. Two nurses came every morning and because I was still at work, they made his breakfast and took care of his hygiene, mental and physical state.
“They were so lovely, helping both of us in different ways. He absolutely adored them. That’s why he wanted to come here.
“Geoffrey had a lovely room on the ground floor with a door opening to the garden.
“He was heavily sedated, though I could see a transformation in him once he arrived. The light on his face was incredible – he knew he was here.
“I renew my subscription to the Memory Tree scheme every January. It’s my way of helping the Hospice.”
Hospice fundraiser Nicole Hunt-Lines by the Memory Tree.
More than 115 leaves are dedicated to someone special, even if that person has no link to the charity.
Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston said: “Thank you for the love you’ve shown this organisation by supporting the Memory Tree initiative.
“The love you show your loved ones through these beautiful leaves supports families now and in the future.”
A leaf subscription is £10 a month, or £120 a year.
* To sign up visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/memory-tree.