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Sibling Support group - London

STARTS 23rd FEBRUARY 2013

A Christmas tree for our children

Hayes, Kent

Every year for the last eight years, TCF Bromley has held a Ceremony of Remembrance at Hayes Free Church in Hayes, Kent. The date always falls on the Saturday after their Christmas Tree Festival. Local charities, societies and school groups sponsor and decorate trees in support of a local charity nominated by the church. This year TCF Bromley was invited to dress a tree.

After much debate we decided on the theme of Hearts and Butterflies. The hearts were laminated photographs of our children. The butterflies were divided into two types - one type was decorated by family members to individual designs, the other type was a white butterfly onto which the children’s names were written. The tree was topped by a large white butterfly backed by silver paper. It was also decided that a book explaining how individuals came to TCF and what it meant to them would help members of the public understand the vital support that TCF offers to bereaved parents and siblings.

I would like to thank David and Janet for laminating all the hearts and Marina for using her contacts in the Ukraine to obtain the beautiful white butterflies. Julie, Janet and David kindly gave up their time to decorate the tree. A big thank you also to those families who contributed to our book, I know how hard it was for some of you to do and I acknowledge your strength.

The biggest thank you of all goes to you the families who allowed us to put your much loved children on display. I feel very honoured that you trusted us to do the right thing.

Article submitted by Vivienne Watt, Local Contact for Beckenham