Mementoes in memory of partner are removed
Shock when visiting tree on third anniversary of his death
A LOUGHBOROUGH woman has spoken of her anguish after mementoes placed at a tree at Loughborough Cemetery in memory of her partner were removed without notice.
Lisa Askew has been making regular visits to the tree since her partner, Lee Martin, who was struggling with mental health issues, took his own life at the tree in June 2017.
Since the tragedy, Lisa has left items at the tree in memory of Lee which had been left in place for more than two and a half years, but last month as she visited the tree ahead of the third anniversary of her loss, she discovered everything had gone.
Lisa said: “The tree is the only place I feel close to him. I went up there the other day and what I’ve hung on the tree has been taken off. It wouldn’t have blown off as they have been there nearly three years - I find it disgusting that they could do that, I’m so upset.”
She said the items place at the tree were doing no harm and although she wants to place new items at the tree she’s now worried that the same thing will happen again.
“My partner struggled with his mental health and I have anxiety and recurring depression and this has been very upsetting.
“I’m heartbroken. I’ve got quite a few things I want to take up as it’s just horrible going to an empty tree, but is there any point?”
A spokesman for Charnwood Borough Council which look after the grounds of the Leicester Road cemetery said: “A Charnwood Borough Council spokesperson said: “We’re sorry to hear upset has been caused but we have not moved these items.
“Mementoes and personal items are left for loved ones at Loughborough cemetery at the owners own risk. Depending on the type of grave, we encourage people to leave items within the concrete surround of the plot or at the headstone.
“If there is a need to remove items for safety reasons we will try to contact the owner of the plot they have been placed at, but this is not always possible.”