A memorial tree has been planted in the grounds of University Hospital Ayr to
remember the people of Ayrshire and Arran who have lost their lives to COVID-19.
Melanie Hunter, from Ayr, kindly arranged for the tree and a plaque to be erected as
a way to remember those we’ve lost and also as a thank you to all those who have
worked throughout the pandemic. Melanie sadly lost her dad, John Cowan, to
COVID-19 on 8 November 2020.
Melanie explains: “I'm part of the Covid19 Families Scotland support group, which is
affiliated with the UK group, and we were hoping to hold a Christmas vigil.
Unfortunately the tribute couldn’t go ahead because of restrictions but I thought
planting a tree would be a way of paying our respects to the people in Ayrshire and
Arran who have passed away – they will never be forgotten. We also wanted to show
the NHS staff that we appreciate all that they have done and continue to do
throughout the pandemic.
“Many thanks to Hayes Garden Land in Symington for donating the beautiful tree
and to Forget Me Nots florist in Ayr for donating the lovely wreath, we really
appreciate it.”
After her dad’s funeral Melanie set up a Just Giving page and raised over £800 in his
memory. The family very generously donated it to the Hospital Volunteers as Mr
Cowan appreciated the work they do and always enjoyed a scone from the
Volunteers’ Café.