Naomi House & Jacksplace pays rent with a dozen red roses
On Monday, children and young adults visiting Naomi House & Jacksplace took part in a heart-warming annual tradition and paid our rent with a dozen red roses.
Every year, on or around Midsummer's Day, Naomi House & Jacksplace give 12 red roses as a peppercorn rent to Naomi and David Cornelius-Reid. This year, the children visiting the hospices also made a beautiful rose-themed card for Naomi and David.
This beautiful tradition has a long history, originating before Naomi House first opened in 1997. Naomi and David’s mother, Mary Cornelius-Reid, permitted the construction of a hospice on her land in the Sutton Manor Estate. In return, she requested a symbolic gesture: annual rent of a dozen red roses. Mary sadly passed away in 2014, but the tradition lives on.
When Naomi and David are presented with the roses, they then gift them to one of the families visiting the hospices.
Mark Smith, Chief Executive of Naomi House & Jacksplace, said:
Midsummer’s Day marks a very special date in our diary. It is a time when we celebrate the generosity of the Cornelius-Reid family by paying our rent of a dozen red roses. We are so grateful for the friendship and support of Naomi and David Cornelius-Reid. I’d like to thank them for helping to make a positive difference to the lives of the children, young adults and families who use our hospice services.
Naomi Cornelius-Reid, said:
It is always a pleasure to come back to the hospices and meet the children, families and staff. It is an honour to continue the tradition, receiving the beautiful red Naomi roses in the tranquil gardens of the hospice. Sharing tea and cake afterwards seems like a fitting way to enjoy the hospitality of this incredibly caring facility in the heart of our community.