Home / Crime and Justice / Memorial Garden Vandalized, Hearts Broken
Memorial Garden Vandalized, Hearts Broken
5 Jul
Summary
- Vandals damaged sentimental items, plaques, and a statue.
- Stolen items included those from the garden's shed.
- Police inquiries are ongoing into the recent incident.
A memorial garden at Derriford Hospital has suffered extensive damage and theft due to vandalism, causing deep distress to grieving families. The incident, which occurred between June 29 and June 30, saw sentimental items, memorial plaques, and a significant statue deliberately broken or thrown into a pond and onto a road.
Volunteers and families are heartbroken by the destruction of the Forever and Always Garden, a place dedicated to remembering lost children. Jade Hoskin, who manages the garden, described the scene as devastating, noting that anything within reach was targeted. The theft of items from the garden's shed further compounded the damage.
A statue representing stillborn babies and miscarriages, a long-standing feature of the garden, was irreparably damaged. While repair is impossible, there is hope to create a new, meaningful piece. Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that inquiries are ongoing regarding this distressing act of vandalism.
