THE MOSAIC garden create in memory of brave Finlay Church was officially opened last Friday (December 2).
The unveiling of the plot at Alvechurch Middle School was attended by Fin’s family, the artist who designed it and pupils and staff from the school.
Drawings done by children at the middle school, where Fin attended, were used by local artist Jackie Nash to design the garden.
A path leading to the main part features 22 mosaic stepping stones, also designed by some of the children who knew Fin.
Jackie part-made the stepping stones and then took them into school to finish them with the children and worked with Fin’s family to design the central mosaic which went in the middle of gravelled angel wings that the children designed.
Gardening expert Hannah Gedders worked with the children and helped them select the perfect plants and assisted them in planting out the chosen varieties.
Fin’s mum Penny said it was a beautiful and very emotional event, especially during the wonderful tributes by Fin’s friends, headmaster David Snell and Rev Fiona Lee.
“It means so very much to us to have this special place at Alvechurch Middle school with its message of ‘Big Hope, Strong Will’ (words printed on a plaque in the garden).
“It provides somewhere for people to have a moment of quiet reflection and will hopefully help them find their own inner strength to tackle whatever challenges they face.”
“We cannot thank everyone involved enough.”
Fin lost his battle with a brain tumour last November aged 11.
After his diagnosis, the family began fund-raising for Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Brain Tumour Research.
When Fin passed away, the family continued fund-raising in his name and the total now stands at £140,000.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/Finlaysjourney and http://www.finlaysjourney.com for more on the fund-raising in memory of Fin.
