How one Ipswich family is turning loss into something beautiful
When Ian Spilling died in May, his wife's colleagues at Bluebird Lodge rallied around her, and together they are now building something that will outlast their grief.
Why it matters: Around two dozen members of the Bluebird Lodge community, along with children, grandchildren and other family members, will take part in Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity's Colour Run at Christchurch Park on Saturday, 12 September, to raise money to transform the centre's garden in memory of Ian, a much-loved Ipswich grandfather.
The details: Ian died in May at the age of 72, leaving behind a large and close-knit family and a community of people whose lives he had touched.
He became a familiar face at Bluebird Lodge and surrounding community sites through his wife Mel, who works at the centre. Always willing to help, Ian became part of the wider Bluebird Lodge family.
Described by Mel as a kind and loving husband, stepfather and grandfather, Ian was devoted to his family and particularly loved spending time with his grandchildren. He also loved Formula One and his dog Paddy, who was rarely far from his side.
Following Ian's death, Mel's colleagues rallied around her as she returned to work. From that support came an idea to breathe new life into Bluebird Lodge's existing garden, with new raised beds and areas where people can sit together or find a moment of quiet.
What they're saying: Mel said, "Ian was such a kind and loving person, and he was always willing to help people – the team all knew and loved him."
"I think he would be really proud of all of us doing this together. It has been a very hard time for our family, especially the grandchildren, so having them involved in the Colour Run with us makes it really special.
"I would love the garden to become somewhere patients can go with their families, or somewhere somebody can sit quietly if they are on their own. Somewhere people can just relax, reflect and enjoy being outside.
"It isn't only about remembering Ian. I want it to be something positive for everybody who comes to Bluebird Lodge."
The idea to enter the Colour Run came from Sarah Gray, facilities team leader, who wanted to find a fundraising challenge that could bring colleagues and their families together.
Sarah said: "We wanted to do something that everybody could be involved in, including the children and our families, and the Colour Run seemed perfect.
"When I asked the team what they wanted to raise money for, everybody wanted to support Bluebird Lodge and the garden. It has brought people together and it feels fitting that we're doing something so colourful and positive to help brighten up the space."
The bigger picture: The project reflects a growing area of in-memory fundraising, where families and communities choose to celebrate someone important to them by creating something positive for others.
The charity is also currently fundraising for another outdoor project through its Time Garden Appeal, which aims to create a peaceful garden at Ipswich Hospital for patients receiving end-of-life care and the people closest to them.
Nichola Whymark, the charity's head of fundraising, said: "There is something incredibly powerful about what Mel, Sarah and the team are doing. Ian was clearly someone who quietly helped the people around him, and that spirit of kindness is continuing through this project.
"We see through in-memory fundraising just how important it can be for people to turn their love for somebody they have lost into something that will help others.
"Nature and outdoor spaces can also offer comfort when people are going through illness, grief or loss. Sometimes what somebody needs most is simply somewhere peaceful to sit with their family, gather their thoughts or have a private moment to reflect.
"That is at the heart of our Time Garden Appeal, and it is also what makes the plans at Bluebird Lodge so special. This will be a space inspired by Ian, but one that belongs to the whole Bluebird Lodge community."
The bottom line: What began as one family's grief has grown into a community-wide effort to create somewhere for reflection, connection and wellbeing at Bluebird Lodge – a project the team hopes will become an ongoing shared endeavour for years to come.
To support Mel, Sarah and the Bluebird Lodge team's fundraising, visit their JustGiving page.
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