A long-standing tradition of paying a year’s rent with 12 red roses continues to flourish, honouring the wish of a beloved mother.
The ceremony was held at Naomi and Jack’s children’s hospice in Sutton Scotney, named in honour of Naomi Cornelius-Reid, whose late mother, Mary, permitted the construction of a hospice on her land in the Sutton Manor Estate.
Every year, on or around Midsummer's Day, the hospice has paid a peppercorn rent of 12 red roses to Naomi is part of a tradition dating back to 1997, when Mary permitted the construction of a hospice on her land; in return, she requested the hospice be named after her daughter, and to pay an annual rent of a dozen red roses.
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Naomi said: “Every year, I look forward to this date, where my I get the opportunity to meet some of the remarkable families visiting Naomi and Jack’s.
"It’s also a day when I honour a joyful tradition started by my mother, Mary Cornelius-Reid.
“It was a pleasure to see the new brand in all its limelight during my visit. It's fantastic to see the positive impact the new brand is having and how it reflects the inclusiveness of Naomi and Jack's for the children, young adults and families it serves."
This year’s presentation, held on Tuesday, June 23, was made even more special by the family who delivered the roses.
Theo, who has been staying at Naomi and Jack’s for specialist short breaks for more than 12 years, presented the roses alongside his brother Thomas and their mother Aloysia.
Theo also took part in the ceremony in 2017.
Aloysia said: “It was lovely for Theo to be asked to present the roses again, nine years later.
"Theo has been coming to Naomi House since he was four.
"He loves using the hydrotherapy pool and going in the sensory room the most.
"When he stays, it allows me to have a break or go away, last year I went to Glastonbury Festival while he stayed.
"For the other boys, I can arrange a babysitter, but I can’t do that for Theo so it’s great that we have Naomi and Jack’s.”
The event included a speech from the charity’s director of care, Erika Lipscombe, followed by tea and rose-shaped biscuits prepared by the hospice’s catering team.
The hospice recently underwent a rebrand to better reflect its inclusive ethos and the families it supports.
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