Memorial garden blossoms
Pre-school creates sensory area in memory of former pupil
APRE-SCHOOL has created a sensory garden for children to enjoy in memory of a much-loved former pupil. Thomas Egerton, who attended Sutton St James Pre-School and then Hollinhey Primary, which shares the same site, passed away in 2021 aged just 18.
His family donated the money raised at his funeral to St James and it has been used to create Tom’s Garden.
It was opened last week and is a place for pupils to spend quality time with each other.
Kirsty Windsor, from Sutton St James, said: “We wanted to create something special in Thomas’s memory, something that would bring laughter, smiles and friendship just like Thomas did.
“So we set to work to create Tom’s Garden - somewhere that friends can be made, special times are shared and the world feels a brighter place.
“We cannot thank the local community enough for all coming together to support the creating of our special sensory garden”.
The pre-school has thanked all those who helped in the creation of the garden.
Fairways Garden Centre, in Sutton, donated more than £2,000 to the project.
Nicola Owens, chair of the pre-school’s committee, organised a volunteer day to help with colleagues from AstraZeneca.
The team of eight built the pergola, planted, cleaned and tied and the garden area.
And parent Jay Waller sectioned off the garden area ready for opening.
Kirsty added: “We had a fantastic turn out for the garden opening, it was so lovely for the community to come together and share stories of Tom.
“We are really proud of our wonderful new garden, and want to thank all of the team.”