Tree will be a symbol of hope in Rathnew
A DOZEN yellow balloons were released into the sky and yellow ribbons were tied around the new Tree of Hope which was planted in Rathnew last weekend.
The China Girl Tree of Hope, which when in full bloom, displays an abundance of white blossom, is now providing a place of comfort where people can memorialise their loved ones lost to suicide or those living with mental health issues and shows first hand the care and support a community can offer them.
According to Cllr John Snell, the initiative of planting a Tree of Hope in communities around Ireland was started by Tallaght woman Noeleen Fulham. So far over 400 Trees of Hope have been planted around Ireland.
‘We had a great turn out for the official planting of the tree and the unveiling of the new granite bench, which was donated by Robbie Miller of Miller Brothers Stone,’ said Cllr Snell.
Members of families in attendance were invited to help plant the tree, while others blessed it with Holy water.
‘Those in attendance interacted and shared happy memories of their loved ones which was lovely to see,’ he said.
Words of comfort were spoken at the ceremony and according to Cllr Snell, since the tree was planted, people have been arriving each day to the site at the new Playpark to sit and remember their loved ones.
‘It was a lovely occasion and it meant so much to families in the area,’ he said.‘The Tree of Hope is also to let people know the stigma of suicide and mental health issues is no longer there and there is support and comfort within the community.’
So far, there are four Trees of Hope planted in the county - at Blessington Boxing Club, Blessington GAA Club, Bray Garda Station and now, Rathnew playground.