Whanganui Midweek

Hospice hosts a day to remember

Garden of remembranc­e ‘beautiful space’ as people celebrate memory of loved ones

- Alyssa Smith For more informatio­n call 06 349 0080.

Hospice Whanganui is giving people the chance to remember their loved ones. The hospice is hosting a garden of remembranc­e to help people celebrate the memories of their past loved ones.

Julie Nyssen will be performing at the event with her harp. She has a close connection to Hospice Whanganui, with the facility looking after her brother-in-law Luke before he passed away in 2019.

“The Hospice Whanganui staff are good people. They helped Luke and his family out. Hospice is an amazing organisati­on that helps so many people,” Julie says.

The year Luke passed Julie played the harp at a remembranc­e event.

“Since then I’ve played at the events. Hospice Whanganui took excellent care of Luke and his family and I want to help them like they’ve helped so many.

“The way I can do that is by playing

my harp at these events.”

She says the remembranc­e garden is a “wonderful space”.

“It’s a beautiful place. The gardens are amazing and there’s something both inviting and comforting about the space.”

On the day Hospice Whanganui will plant a tree of remembranc­e.

“It’s a great way to celebrate those we’ve lost. Hospice Whanganui will also have a memory bowl that people can place flowers in. I feel very privileged to be involved in the event.”

Julie wants to give back to Hospice Whanganui and she says the harp is a beautiful instrument and she’s happy to share it with people.

“It’s an instrument that isn’t often played publicly. It’s a great fit for these remembranc­e events as it’s a touching instrument to listen to. It really helps with the atmosphere of rememberin­g.”

 ?? Photo/ Supplied ?? Julie Nyssen will play her harp at the event.
Photo/ Supplied Julie Nyssen will play her harp at the event.

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