‘Believe’ garden to be constructed to raise awareness of organ donation
Jul
In 2015 the Human Transplantation Act for Wales was introduced, changing to an opt-out system, and encouraging people to reconsider their stance on organ donation.
2025 will mark the acts 10-year anniversary, but also tragically the 10 year anniversary of the fatal road accident that would claim the lives of the husband and son of Anna-Louis Bates, Stuart and Fraser Bates.
However, Anna would not let this incident define her future, or the memory of her loved ones.
“When my son died, four people received a second chance at life. Four people are alive today because of him, I think that’s amazing.”
In 2019, Anna formed Believe ODS, the organ donation charity, to help shift perspectives, and raise awareness for this important cause stating she wanted to “dispel myths and misunderstandings around organ donation”.
This week SACYR Stakeholder Engagement & Community Benefits manager for the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) Katie Hathaway travelled to Cardiff’s Northern Cemetery to meet with Anna discuss the planned construction their ‘Believe Organ Donation’ garden. Groundworks are to commence the beginning of August with contractor Tredomen Limited, with an early open session set for the 25th of September, and a memorial service at the crematory for donors of the past.
Nicola said:
“We at Tredomen Limited are thrilled to support Anna’s dream garden project, set to begin in August. With our extensive experience in this field, we are eager to contribute to this meaningful initiative and honour the charity and donors who have made it possible. The passion driving this project inspires us, and we are excited to educate others on the importance of organ donation through our work.”
The garden is set to be completed and open by December 1st, 2025. Sacyr Uk contractors Enviromesh have also committed to donating a supply of gabion benches to the project, to help beautify and structurally support the space.
Also in attendance was local councillor John Lancaster of the Lisvane and Thornhill & Believe ODS Trustee Beth Baldwin, both of which helped to guide the meeting, bringing together ideas around how to reach people of all demographics.
Simon D. Morgan of MS Group, supporting with all the aesthetically pleasing extras such as the ‘wall of fame’ will also help turn the design into a digital 3D model that will be available to the public using a QR code, along with Geraint Rees from Cardiff Council who set out a timeline for clearing the space in the lead up to the groundworks commencing. Collectively the group discussed ideas and plans for the garden, finding individual ways for each member to donate their efforts towards the project.
Plans for the space so far include several individual organ donation commemoration stones in which the public will be able to pay their respects and give thanks to those who have given so much. There are also plans for an autograph and handprint wall of celebrities who have worked with Believe to raise awareness, and to help destigmatise organ donation. So far, the list includes famous names such as Bear Grylls, Michael Sheen, Ruth Jones, Stereophonics, Sir Tom Jones and Dame Shirley Bassey!
Geraint Rees said about the project:
“It’s wonderful to be a part of this project, the education around this garden is so far reaching. It’s fantastic to get so many celebrities involved along with so many other valued members of the community.”
