New Tree of Life unveiled at Ashgate Hospice
A striking new Tree of Life sculpture has been unveiled at Ashgate Hospice, offering a lasting way for people to remember someone special while supporting hospice care across north Derbyshire.
The sculpture was officially unveiled at a special launch event held in the hospice gardens on 12 April. The Duke of Devonshire, President of Ashgate Hospice, attended alongside the Duchess of Devonshire. Other guests included Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire Mr Nick Hodgson and the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, Councillor Barry Dyke and Marie Dyke.
The event, kindly sponsored by Graysons Solicitors, marked an important moment for the hospice and the community it serves.
Each leaf carries the name of someone important, cut into the metal as a delicate stencil design. By giving £10 per month, supporters can dedicate a leaf while helping to provide care for local people throughout the year.
Funded through government support via Hospice UK and designed by sculptor Mark Reed, the Tree of Life offers a peaceful space within the hospice gardens for reflection and remembrance.
Among the first to dedicate a leaf is Jean Terry, who wanted to find a meaningful way to remember her husband, Alan.
When Alan was diagnosed with stage four cancer in 2021, the news was devastating for him, his wife Jean and their daughters.
“We were told we were looking at six to twelve months,” Jean says.
With the support of Ashgate Hospice’s Palliative Care Specialist Nurses, Alan was able to stay where he most wanted to be – at home with Jean.
Alan died at home on 24 July 2025, aged 78. For Jean, the care they received during that time is something she will never forget.
“I struggled to find a fitting memorial to him – something that would help me and the family.”
When she heard about Ashgate Hospice’s new Tree of Life, Jean knew it was the right tribute.
“Ashgate’s Tree of Life fitted the bill perfectly,” she says.
Jean and Alan had spent nearly six decades side by side, after meeting in 1966. They loved spending time outdoors and Alan always had a love of trees.
Jean added: “What could be a more fitting memorial than an engraved leaf on the Tree of Life?”
For Jean this was the perfect way to honour both Alan’s life and the care that meant so much to them.
And one day, she hopes her own name will sit beside his. “I just hope that when my time comes, my name can join his.”
To find out more or dedicate a leaf on the Tree of Life, visit the Ashgate Hospice website: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/tree-of-life/