Nugent’s Memory Meadow

At Nugent, we are privileged to have supporters who go above and beyond to help us fulfil our mission of enhancing the lives of those in our care. One such extraordinary individual is Dave Verburg, whose dedication has brought to life a beautiful and meaningful project: a sensory garden named Memory Meadow. This garden is designed to enrich residents’ lives at Lime House, our specialised care home for adults living with dementia. The garden will first be unveiled at the prestigious Southport Flower Show before being transported to Lime House, where it will serve as a peaceful and therapeutic environment for our residents.

Dave’s Journey: Doing the desert for Doris

Dave’s journey began with a deeply personal challenge: a 100-kilometre trek across the Sahara Desert in memory of his mother, Doris, who passed away from dementia in 2022. Driven by a desire to honour her memory and to support others facing similar challenges, Dave undertook this formidable task to raise funds for the Memory Meadow. His inspiring effort has not only helped create a serene and engaging space for Lime House residents but has also highlighted the power of community and compassion in making a real difference.

The Memory Meadow

Thanks to Dave’s dedication and the funds he raised, the Memory Meadow has been brought to life for Lime House. This sensory garden is designed to be a peaceful and stimulating environment, rich with features that engage the senses and evoke cherished memories, offering ongoing benefits to residents, their families, and the care staff.

Key Features of the Memory Meadow:

• Water Feature: A calming and visually appealing focal point.
• Illuminating Plants and Trees: Creating a magical, soothing atmosphere.
• Vegetable and Fruit Garden: Encouraging residents to engage in nurturing and harvesting.
• Pergola and Gazebo: Providing sheltered spaces for relaxation and socialisation.
• Herb Garden: Filling the air with the soothing scents of lavender and other herbs.
• Stone Pathways: Offering safe and accessible routes throughout the garden.
• Multicoloured Roses: Adding vibrant, joyful colours to the landscape.

A Sanctuary Amidst the Challenges of Dementia

Dementia profoundly affects not just those diagnosed but also their families and caregivers, bringing emotional, physical, and financial stress. The Memory Meadow is designed to be a refuge, offering cognitive stimulation, reducing agitation, encouraging physical activity, and improving mood. For families, it provides a peaceful setting to spend meaningful time with their loved ones, while for staff, it enhances the work environment and serves as a valuable therapeutic tool.

Caring for someone with dementia is an emotionally challenging journey, filled with moments of confusion, frustration, and heartache. The Memory Meadow serves as a sanctuary where both caregivers and residents can find peace and respite. The gentle sounds, fragrant flowers, and serene pathways offer a place where memories can linger, providing brief moments of clarity and calm in an otherwise challenging journey.

Our Future Now: Continuing the Legacy of Compassion

As we celebrate the creation of the Memory Meadow and Dave’s incredible efforts, we also look ahead with our charitable initiative, Our Future Now. This initiative focuses on four key areas:

• Accommodation: Providing safe spaces for those in vulnerable situations.
• Employability: Offering mentorship and employment opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Poverty Alleviation: Tackling all forms of poverty through various support services.
• Memorable Experiences: Creating memorable experiences for those who have suffered significant trauma or vulnerabilities.

Dave’s fundraiser is a direct reflection of the Memorable Experiences initiative, ensuring that families can create cherished moments in a serene, sensory-rich environment.

A Message from Our CEO

Nugent CEO Jo Henney said, “We are immensely grateful to Dave for his incredible efforts and the profound impact he has made in memory of his mum, Doris. His dedication exemplifies the spirit of compassion and community that is at the heart of Nugent. With the support of individuals like Dave, we can continue to provide vital services and create meaningful experiences for those in our care.”

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

To help us raise vital funds to support our local communities, head to our JustGiving page to donate: Support Nugent

Or to find other ways to get involved, get in touch with our fundraising team at fundraising@wearenugent.org or by calling 0151 261 2000.

Sponsors

Thank you to all our sponsors for making the Memory Garden possible!