Leeanne, from Ruthin, North Wales, talks about this beautiful garden and summerhouse that her family recently created in memory of Leeanne’s son, Mark. Doesn’t it look perfect.
What did you do?
In 2018 we lost my 18 year old son in a tragic drowning accident.
Since his passing we have wanted to create a tranquil space where our family could go sit & remember the happy times we all shared together.
We purchased Forest Gardens Oakley 8 x 6 summerhouse & painted it with 4 different colours from the cuprinol garden shades range:
- White Daisy
- Coastal Mist
- Forget Me Not
- & Barleywood
We opted for a beach themed look as Mark loved the beach/ seaside & since Mark’s passing we have become water safety campaigners & we would like to set up a water safety foundation/animated website in his memory & would like to continue working with organisations throughout the UK in a collective effort to hopefully prevent similar tragedies from happening to others.
I cant really say that there was something that didn’t work because what we now have is exactly what I pictured, I’ve always had a passion for interior design & doing up old properties although that’s not my trade, I would love it to be.
Do you have any other projects planned?
I have been thinking of building a pergola & an outdoor kitchen & I’m looking to make some pallet planters to go around the bottom of our garden & of course will be looking to add more beach themed decoration to either inside or outside of our summerhouse whenever we find bits we like
Tell the Housebound With Kids community a bit about yourself…
I’m a Mum of 6, 5 girls aged 26,25,12,11 & 9 & our angel would now be 20.
How are you finding being housebound so far?
I’m not going to lie it’s a real struggle at times. We lost my Mum in January, buried her on Feb 13th, the day before what would have been Mark’s 20th birthday. Since losing my son I’ve suffered severe anxiety & since lockdown real bad panic attacks, we have faced birthdays, mothers day, my sons angel day etc it’s tough but we are safe at home & that’s the most important thing.
Do you have any tips for other parents?
Don’t stress about school work, what’s most important is emotional & mental wellbeing, kids learn best when they are having fun so make it fun & just enjoy your time together making memories, nothing like this has ever happened before it’s really the memories what count.
Has this website and community helped you?
It’s just amazing.