A BEAUTIFUL wellbeing garden has been created in memory of a little boy who suddenly died.
Jasper Cook, from Birkenshaw, was just eight years old when he tragically died in January 2022.
An inquest concluded he died from natural causes, but what prompted his death could not be determined.
His death left his family and school community devastated, but the memorial garden at Birkenshaw Primary School will be a poignant way to remember him.
It was opened last Friday, February 10. Led by headteacher Rebecca Martin, the school held a memorial day and all the pupils wore purple to commemorate Jasper’s life.
Some of his school friends wrote and read prayers and the garden was blessed by Reverend Mike Green.
Jasper's mum and dad, Kim and Ian, and his sister Lily, helped to officially open the garden.
As a family, they said: “We are still absolutely devastated at the death of our beloved Jasper but are very pleased that some positive things are happening as a result of our shocking unexpected loss.
“We are privileged to be a part of a school community that has all rallied together to make this happen.
“We would like to thank Mrs Martin and the school community for all of their help and support over the most difficult 12 months in our lives.
“We are truly grateful for everything everyone has done for us as a family to make sure that Jasper will remain in everyone’s hearts and never be forgotten.
“It was clear how much he meant to all his classmates and how much his life has touched others.
“The garden will be a fantastic legacy for his sister Lily, all his school friends and all the future children who will come through this lovely school.
“It will be a wonderful space for reflection and remembrance & we are sure will be a superb asset to the school community.”
They added: “The sense of community here is absolutely fantastic and we are aware that a number of local businesses have contributed in various ways towards the development of the garden and we are truly humbled & grateful for everyone’s effort in remembering our darling boy.
“While we have no answers as to why Jasper is not with us we are keen to do some fundraising for cardiac screening and research to try and prevent any other family from going through such a devastating loss.”
They are now keen to support Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and have set up a dedicated memorial page. It can be accessed by clicking here.
A page has also been set up on Facebook – search ‘Jasper’s Journey’.
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