The friends and family of a 10-year-old Bowdon boy who died from a sudden asthma attack last year are appealing for funding to build a memorial garden at his former school.
Isaac Maley passed away last August, just before the start of his final year at Bowdon Church School.
Now, his year six school friends have embarked on the creation of ‘Isaac’s Garden’, intended to become a quiet and peaceful area of the school’s playground.
Vicky Maley, Isaac’s mum, said: “I think Isaac’s Garden will be a place of reflection, a wonderful space for children and adults to have time out. A place to think about things and calm down. A place to have a cry or even a shout! A place to let your feelings out. A place that will listen to you and allow you to be yourself.
“Adults find it hard to deal with a child’s grief, especially teachers. They find it hard to know what to say or are even scared to say the wrong thing. This garden will help them massively.”
In April, a charity football match held in Isaac’s memory at Altrincham FC raised £34,000 for the Once Upon a Smile charity.
And now the local community is once again rallying together to raise the funds for the memorial garden. It’s so far raised over £5,000 but is targeting £10,000.
Friends and family have already been helping with digging, planting and fundraising – and now the school is appealing for help from local businesses, organisations and individuals who can spare time or donate.
Headteacher Sharon Martin said: “In a world of increasing demands and distractions for children, having the opportunity for a few minutes of quiet reflection in an beautiful place will be a precious gift that we can provide.
“Of course, going forward, I am sure that the garden will become an important place for all children; a place where they can seek comfort and strength.”
To get involved, call 07795 574655, email isaacsgarden@outlook.com or donate at virginmoneygiving.com/fund/isaacsgarden
