Retired AstraZeneca director Lumi Jitariu-Sharpe was deeply moved to discover that her former colleagues had purchased the Memory Tree at East Cheshire Hospice. The tree features an engraved leaf dedicated to her husband Geoffrey, who passed away from cancer in 2023 at the age of 67.
Lumi attended the annual Memory Tree garden party on the hospice lawns, joining others in celebrating the lives of lost loved ones. She expressed her gratitude: 'The Memory Tree means a lot, and what really touched me was that it came from a donation by AZ, the company I worked for at the time. It was gifted by employees—an amazing initiative from a company that gives so much support to the hospice.'
Geoffrey, who owned a kitchen business in Altrincham, spent his final two days at the hospice after being diagnosed just six months earlier. Lumi recalled: 'He had just retired to become a full-time grandad. We started a new life in Wilmslow close to our grandchildren. His illness happened so quickly it was hard to adjust, but the hospice was the best help we had during his entire journey.'
Hospice at Home provided care for Geoffrey for about six weeks, with two nurses visiting daily. Lumi said: '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 ground-floor room with a garden view. Lumi noted: '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.'
Lumi continues to support the hospice through the Memory Tree scheme. 'I renew my subscription every January. It's my way of helping the hospice,' she said.
More than 115 leaves are dedicated to special individuals, even if they have no direct link to the charity. Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston expressed thanks: '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 costs £10 per month or £120 per year. To sign up, visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/memory-tree.
