TV star Chris Packham says Leeds hospice is 'truly astonishing' as he opens new feature

TV star Chris Packham has described a Leeds children’s hospice as “absolutely astonishing” as he officially opened a special space for bereaved families.

The wildlife presenter attended the opening of the new Garden of Memories at Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa on Thursday, October 8.

The peaceful sanctuary has been designed to give families who have lost children a place to reflect, remember and honour their lives.

Chris said: “It’s been an amazing afternoon. Martin House is absolutely astonishing.

“To make such a positive difference to people’s lives, when those lives were at their most fragile, is absolutely heartwarming.

“And to have a garden like this that everyone can use is another remarkable asset in what is a truly remarkable place.”

Ahead of the garden opening, Chris toured the hospice to learn about the specialist palliative care and bereavement services Martin House offers. He also engaged in conversations with families about their experiences and the ongoing support the hospice provides after the death of a child or young person.

Developed with input from Martin House’s Bereaved Parent Advisory Group alongside clinical teams, the Garden of Memories was created to be accessible for bereaved families to visit independently at any time. The design incorporates interactive features inspired by therapeutic stories such as The Hare-Shaped Hole and The Invisible String.

Some interactive elements were crafted by siblings through the Memory Makers Project, which is funded by Hospice UK’s Dying Matters Community Grants Programme. Notably, the garden features a Letters to Loved Ones post box, established in memory of Simba by his parents, Amardeep Sirha and Theo Morris. This post box provides a private place for families to leave letters, cards, drawings, and messages for their children, sustaining their connection.

During the opening, Amardeep and Theo posted the first letter in the box. They explained, “Bringing people together was such a special part of who Simba was. We wanted to fund this post box in his memory so that something created in his name could continue offering comfort and connection to others.”

They further reflected, “Grief does not end, and neither does the relationship we have with our children. There are always more words to say, more memories to share and more love to give. We hope this will give families a simple, private and meaningful place to leave those words.”

“Having somewhere in the Garden of Memories where we can return, write to him and feel connected means so much. It has been created in Simba’s name, but it is there for every child and every family who needs it.”

Vicki Greensmith, Director of Clinical Services at Martin House, emphasised the importance of family involvement, stating, “The Garden of Memories has been shaped by the families who will use it, so it was important that they were at the heart of opening it.”

She added: “When a child dies, our support for their family doesn’t end. This garden gives families another place at Martin House where they can spend time, remember and feel close to their child.”

Ms Greensmith also expressed gratitude towards Chris Packham for participating in the event and engaging with families about their journeys and the hospice’s continued support.

Each year, Martin House supports over 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families across West, North, and East Yorkshire. The hospice’s specialist bereavement services extend support to approximately 200 bereaved family members annually.

For more information about Martin House Children’s Hospice and ways to contribute, please visit.