Church’s £65k donation to support bereaved families

A generous donation has given a significant boost to Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals Charity’s (WHH Charity) appeal to create a dedicated space for families facing the devastating loss of a baby.

The £65,227 donation from Buckley Street Independent Methodist Church will support the creation of the Willow Tree Hub – a purpose-designed facility in the grounds of Warrington Hospital, just outside the Maternity Department, that will provide comfort, privacy and specialist support for families navigating grief or a pregnancy after loss.

The church has long been a part of the local community and has supported Warrington’s health services for generations. In 1878, church trustees agreed that should the church ever be sold, a portion of the proceeds would be donated to Warrington Infirmary. Following the infirmary’s closure in 1980, the agreement was amended so the funds would instead support Warrington General Hospital, now Warrington Hospital.

After more than a century of service, Buckley Street Independent Methodist Church held its final service on Sunday 3 March 2024. In line with the original agreement, the trustees chose to donate £65,227 of the proceeds to the Willow Tree Hub Appeal.
Church trustees recently visited the hospital to see the site where the new hub will be located and learn more about maternity services at the hospital.

Janet Parry, one of the church trustees from Orford, Warrington, said: “We are so pleased to see this money go towards such a meaningful cause. The Willow Tree Hub will provide a safe and supportive space for families at their most vulnerable moments. Knowing that our donation will directly support people in our local community means a great deal to us all. We look forward to coming back and seeing the finished hub in the near future.”

The £200,000 Willow Tree Hub Appeal aims to fund a calm, compassionate space where bereaved families can grieve, reflect and receive specialist care away from the busy hospital setting.

Inside the hub, families will have access to private rooms for counselling and support. Outside, a peaceful garden filled with wildflowers and quiet seating areas will offer a place for remembrance and reflection.

The hub will also house a Rainbow Clinic, offering specialist monitoring and emotional support for families experiencing pregnancy after loss – helping parents feel reassured and cared for during what can be a deeply anxious time.

Steve McGuirk, Chair of WHH Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the trustees of Buckley Street Independent Methodist Church for this remarkable donation.

“Their generosity will make a lasting impact for families across Warrington, Halton and the surrounding area who are facing the unimaginable. The Willow Tree Hub will ensure no family has to face baby loss alone, and this donation brings us significantly closer to making that vision a reality.”

If you would like to support the Willow Tree Hub Appeal, visit the JustGiving page to make a donation. For more information contact our Fundraising Team on 01925 662666 or email whh.charity@nhs.net.