Remembering Michael’s Friend

Hello lovely members,

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, the days are starting to get a bit longer and we are spotting the first signs of spring. A few crocuses popping up here and there and I even spotted a daffodil the other day! 

This weeks nomination was a reminder of how much solace and healing Nature can bring in times of sadness. 

The nomination comes from long time member Michael who has asked us to help create a beautiful resting place and memorial for a friend who tragically passed away recently. We are sending our love and condolences to Michael and all those grieving this man and we hope that our donation means there will always be a beautiful place they can visit to remember him. 

Hold your loved ones tight.

Your admins xx

At the beginning of December last year one of my closest friends died of hypothermia, having spent the night sleeping rough. He had been struggling with addictions and mental health problems for a few years and things quickly spiralled.

Originally from France, he moved to the U.K in his early 20s. His mother and brother cannot afford to repatriate his body, and his mother is too old and unwell to travel for any services or memorials. Other than his brother’s air fare to join us at the cremation, his family cannot contribute financially to any kind of send off. With no other next of kin, the responsibilities for cremation fall to the French consulate and Westminster Council. The cremation will take place at the end of February and we have negotiated permission to claim the ashes on his family’s behalf. We will scatter them in May in Kew Gardens who ask for a minimum donation of £500.

I would be hugely grateful if 500 Reasons could help us with this. The support will go a long way to help give our friend a good send off, to mark his passing and to remember him in a place that he loved.

All best,

Michael