Future is safe for Penparcau organ donor memorial garden as Barcud Housing Association has stepped in to manage it in partnership with Mind Aberystwyth, who will help with the gardening duties.
Alan and Teresa Wilkin set up the organ donor memorial garden, the first of its kind in Wales, with the help of local businesses and the community in 2013. The couple sadly lost their daughter in 2010 to a brain aneurysm when she was just 34 years old. The garden represents a celebration of life and is well used by the community.
As pensioners, Alan and Teresa are limited physically so asked Barcud if it would adopt the memorial garden. The couple will continue to help as much as they can and will still spread the word about the importance of talking to loved ones about what happens in the event of death and the importance of organ donation.
Catrin Owen, Barcud’s Head of Customer Services and Partnership, said, “When we were approached by Alan and Teresa to adopt the garden we were very happy to get involved and we have officially agreed to preserve the area as an organ donation garden. I used to be a Trustee and former Chair at Mind Aberystwyth and wanted to bring them on board with the upkeep of the garden. This will be a very positive partnership with benefits for both Mind’s service users as well as Mr and Mrs Wilkin.”
Mr and Mrs Wilkin said, “Given our ages of 83 and 75 it was agreed that it was time to approach Barcud to ask if they would adopt the garden. This is a big relief for us. We have maintained the garden for 12 years now and love doing so. We will continue to help whilst we are able to continue to do so. We would like to say a big thank you to all concerned.
“We will continue with our mission as advocates of organ donation. This mission brought us through losing our beautiful daughter. Through the tragedy came comfort and hope of renewal and connection with the gift of life to others. Death and organ donation have been taboo subjects for too long. We have learned and hope to make others aware that death is a part of life. It happens to us all with no escaping.”
Find out more about organ donation from the official website: www.organdonation.nhs.uk
Mind Aberystwyth are looking for volunteers to support the low level upkeep and maintenance of the space. They meet at the garden every second Monday at 11am. Just half an hour can make a difference if you don’t have too much time to give. Anyone looking to give back to the community, enjoy some fresh air, or meet new people, are being asked to get involved.
Pictured in the Penparcau organ donor memorial garden: Mr and Mrs Wilkin are sat either side of Ffion Evans the Barcud Housing Officer for that area. Nicola Carton from Mind Aberystwyth is standing.