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.
The first snowdrops were planted in Workers Memorial Garden
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
Remembering Loved Ones
Cllr Maureen Chaplin and Chris Knighton Planting snowdrops
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.
Cllr John Harrison Mayor of North Tyneside planting snowdrops in the grounds of Sir G B Hunter Memorial Hospital
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.
Mick Laffey representing Patron Ian McFall read out the names of mesothelioma victims
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.
The Mayor of South Tyneside help create a memorial garden over the banks of the River Tyne assisted by Mick Laffey and Chris Knighton
Councillor Maureen Chaplin sadly died 11th February 2009 our heartfelt condolences go to her husband, Bob and family
