Coronavirus doesn't stop Naomi House honouring decades old tradition
Every year, we pay our rent of 12 red roses on or around Midsummer’s Day. This tradition dates back nearly a quarter of a century, to when Mary Cornelius-Reid kindly allowed a hospice to be built on her land in the Sutton Manor Estate. This offer came with two conditions; that the hospice be named after her youngest daughter, Naomi, and that each and every Midsummer’s Day, the hospice pay a peppercorn rent of a dozen red roses. Although Mary passed away in 2014, staff still honour the tradition by presenting a bouquet of flowers to Naomi.
Children staying at the hospices, along with nursing staff and the hospice Chief Executive, Mark Smith, made the short walk across Sutton Manor Estate to deliver the flowers personally to the care team at the prestigious Sutton Manor Nursing Home. Kamala Limbu, Matron and Registered Home Manager, was joined by an army of staff from the Home to accept the roses on Naomi’s behalf.
Naomi Cornelius-Reid collected the flowers later in the day and said: “While it has been a crazy year, it is absolutely indicative of Naomi House that they would remember and find a way to get the roses to us. It is such a precious tradition. I only hope people can remember how much their support is needed and continue to help them so they can keep doing the amazing work that they do. Thank you from me and my family, thank you for keeping the tradition going and long live Naomi House!”
Mark Smith, Chief Executive at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said: “Mary Cornelius-Reid started this really lovely tradition by offering us the land on which Naomi House is built, and while things may have looked a little different due to Coronavirus restrictions, we were pleased as always to present our very special rent. We thank the Cornelius-Reid family for their ongoing support.”
This year, we've launched a virtual gift shop, allowing people to send a virtual gift of a dozen red roses to friends and family, with money raised going to fund the our vital care services. For more information, visit: www.naomihouse.org.uk/roses.
