The Snowdrop is a flower we all hold so dear
It reminds us of loved ones who are no longer here
Snowdrops flourish and grow to give us hope
Showing us there is a way to cope.
They push and push through frozen ground
Showing us that together a friendship we’ve found
To be able to go forward and help one another
Is something we strive for to make us be stronger.
Sweet snowdrops keep blooming year after year
To show us our loved ones will always be near.
By Edna Thorpe (husband Alan died from Mesothelioma in January 2007)
A blanket of snowdrops has been planted on both sides of the River Tyne to commemorate those who have died from mesothelioma. In total 10,000 snowdrops planted by Gateshead Council, North Tyneside Council and South Tyneside Council Durham Colliery Mechanics Trust in partnership with MKMRF have created memorial gardens across the region.
Edna Thorpe reads her poem
The Snowdrop Memorial Garden’s are dedicated to the men and women who lost their lives to the asbestos related cancer Mesothelioma. Creating lasting tributes bringing hope and promise for a better future. When the bulbs blooms in spring they will be a reminder of the tragic legacy of asbestos, but will also give hope that one day we will find a cure for this terrible disease.
Snowdrop planting in Wallsend
Snowdrop planting in Gateshead
The Mayor of Gateshead, Maureen Chaplin, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma herself in February 2007, attended the first planting ceremony in the Workers Memorial Garden in Saltwell Park, Gateshead.
Mayor John Harrison, Ian McFall of Thompsons Solicitors and Chris Knighton
The Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, John Harrison supported the second ceremonial planting of snowdrops which took place in the grounds of the Sir GB Memorial Hunter Hospital where MKMRF and the Self help group is based.
The third garden is at Lawe Top Roundabout which looks across the River Tyne was a perfect setting for the memorial garden in South Shields. The Mayor and Mayoress Councillor and Mrs Alex Donaldson took part in the ceremony. Snowdrop poems were read out at each ceremony by relatives of loved ones lost to the disease.
Councillor Maureen Chaplin sadly died 11th February 2009 our heartfelt condolences go to her husband, Bob and family.
