A Father’s Day memorial service hosted by Thornton Garden of Rest has been widely praised after families gathered to pay tribute to loved ones. 

Sefton Council’s Bereavement Services team worked closely with The Good Funeral Company and Dignity to put on the event on Sunday 21 June.

Much-appreciated event

Visitors came in great numbers to pay their respects to fathers and father figures who are no longer with them, queuing to fill the Garden of Rest car park. 

Though centred around a special memorial service held in the chapel, the service also provided both young and older visitors with the chance to get support and advice about bereavement. 

Members of the Bereavement Services team were on hand to speak to visitors and help them find their loved ones’ memorials in the Garden of Rest. 

All attendees were invited to decorate memorial trees with tags featuring a message to loved ones. 

It led to a moving scene of two trees filled with around 200 loving messages from families. 

The tags were then taken to Liverpool Cathedral by The Good Funeral Company, where they were included in prayer and reflection during the day.

Meaningful feedback

Those who came along to pay their respects in the sunshine left glowing praise for the event. 

“What a fantastic idea,” said one attendee, while another added that it was an “absolutely lovely event”. 

Another visitor said: “(It’s the) first time since the funeral I have been able to do something for my dad.” 

Councillor Peter Harvey, the Sefton Council Cabinet Member responsible for Bereavement Services, attended the event and echoed the positive sentiments. 

Cllr Harvey said: “It was a wonderful event that meant so much to the people who came. I’d like to thank our Bereavement Services staff, as well as our colleagues from The Good Funeral Company and Dignity, who took the time to make sure that the service was a success. 

“The care and effort put into the event reflect what we do as a service, which is to offer professional and compassionate support that treats people with dignity and respect. 

“I am very pleased to hear about the excellent feedback the team has received, and the interest people showed in coming to future events. 

“On a personal level, it was poignant to have my family alongside me to remember loved ones, including my dad and mum, whose ashes were laid at the nearby rose garden.” 

Emily Ridgway, Operations Manager for The Good Funeral Company added: “We were delighted to partner with Sefton Council to host our first Father's Day memorial event at Thornton Garden of Rest. 

“It was really moving to welcome so many people into the chapel to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones together. There was a real sense of community throughout the day, with people finding comfort in shared reflection and remembrance. 

“We're grateful to everyone who joined us and are excited to continue working together to offer more events like this in the future.” 

More information about Sefton Council’s Bereavement Services, including the venues, support and memorials available, can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/bereavement.

Photo credit: Rob Battersby