Grenfell victim’s relative pays £10,000 for memorial garden ahead of anniversary

The Mayor and Bishop of London have unveiled a memorial garden dedicated to healing, peace and justice for the community devastated by the Grenfell Tower fire.

The garden has been created at St Clement’s Church in Notting Dale – in the shadow of the blackened remains of the tower block in west London where 72 people lost their lives.

Sadiq Khan and the Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, who performed the dedication, joined members of the North Kensington community to mark the first anniversary of the blaze.

A spokesman for the diocese said a member of one victim’s family, named only as Sheila, paid about £10,000 for the intimate garden which contains shrubs, two benches and a large mosaic plaque shaped like an anchor with different religious symbols to reflect the neighbourhood’s diverse community.

Mr Khan said: “Our love and prayers are with those who were affected by the fire at Grenfell last year. This garden is to honour them.

“It is a garden of peace, healing and justice. The fire last year shone a light on the inequalities in our city and our country – one of the richest in the world.

“It also shone a light on the resilience and solidarity of this wonderful community. It is in their honour we must find out the truth of what happened.

“We must make sure those responsible are held to account but also we must make sure that never again should a person lose their life, never again should a family grieve like these families are grieving and never again will a community be affected like this one has been.”

Among the congregation at a church service held ahead of the dedication were survivors and those who responded to the fire and helped in its aftermath – including residents, community groups and representatives from the emergency services.

The service heard about the bravery and community spirit that many people showed after the tragedy.

Other invited guests included housing minister James Brokenshire and Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad.

Graham Tomlinson, the Bishop of Kensington, said: “The next few days will not be easy and that is why we need to fix ourselves on hope.

“This service is full of symbols. This building offers us comfort, shelter, sympathy and a home which is especially important for those who are still waiting for theirs.”

He urged everyone to see the garden as a sign of hope every time they walk past it.

(c) Sky News 2018: Grenfell victim’s relative pays £10,000 for memorial garden ahead of anniversary