On Tuesday 23 June, a local family from Southampton who were visiting Naomi and Jack’s, joined the charity’s annual tradition and paid its peppercorn rent with a dozen red roses.
Every year, on or around Midsummer’s Day, Naomi and Jack’s gives 12 red roses as a peppercorn rent to Naomi Cornelius-Reid. This tradition dates back to 1997, when Naomi’s mother, Mary Cornelius-Reid, permitted the construction of a hospice on her land in the Sutton Manor Estate in Sutton Scotney.
In return, she requested a symbolic gesture: to name the hospice after her daughter, and to pay an annual rent of a dozen red roses. Mary sadly died in 2014, but the tradition lives on through Naomi.
This year, Theo, his brother, Thomas, and his mum, Aloysia presented the roses to Naomi Cornelius-Reid. Theo has been visiting Naomi House for specialist short breaks for over 12 years. The fact that he presented the roses to Naomi this year was particularly special, as he also presented the roses back in 2017.
Mum, Aloysia, said:
“It was lovely for Theo to be asked to present the roses again, 9 years later. Theo has been coming to Naomi House since he was 4. 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.”
In addition to the presentation of the roses, a speech was given by the charity’s Director of Care, Erika Lipscombe. Afterwards, families, volunteers and staff enjoyed tea and rose shaped biscuits baked by the Naomi and Jack’s skilled Catering Team.
Naomi Cornelius-Reid 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.”
To find out more about Naomi and Jack’s and the charity’s recent re-brand, visit: https://www.naomiandjacks.org.uk/
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Naomi and Jack’s is an independent charity offering expert palliative care for children and young adults at their purpose-built hospice and in the community. They support hundreds of families in central southern England, providing outstanding care, specialist short breaks and bereavement support. They are always there for end of life care, 24 hours, 365 days a year.
Naomi House provides individualised care for babies and children, supporting families to make the most of their precious time together. Jack’s Place – the only hospice for young adults in the south of England – continues that care with unique services, social activities and a focus on independence.
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