Daniel’s memorial stone was created for us by stone mason and artist - Mark Evans. We were introduced to Mark by Hilary Meynell, through an organisation called Memorials By Artists who help people to commission beautiful, unique hand-carved memorials.
When we first met Mark we struck up an instant rapport, and knew immediately that he was the perfect person to make Daniel's memorial. He turned our ideas into pictures almost before we'd finished explaining them, and when the first draft arrived a few weeks later, he had taken those loose ideas, added his own (born out his creativity, love and knowledge of the stone) and created a perfect image to celebrate Daniel.
Daniel's stone is handcarved out of Westmoreland Green Slate. It is incredibly beautiful and the perfect tribute to our special little boy. Mark Evans has done an exceptional job in creating such a unique piece, that really manages to capture Daniel’s character and the many things that we associate with him.
Daniel was very much a people person who had a smile for everyone he met. He was incredibly flirtatious and loved to be the centre of attention! It was impossible to walk past his cot without stopping to say hello to him. In the same way, we hope that Daniel’s memorial stone will also attract a lot of attention. It is so striking and so beautiful, that we are sure everyone who visits Westhope will take a few moments to stop and admire it, thereby keeping Daniel’s memory alive and ensuring he is always surrounded by people.
Mark Evans laid Daniel’s stone for us on the morning of his first anniversary, but, before doing so, we were able to scratch some ‘personal’ messages to Daniel on the back. In the afternoon we had a short ceremony with family and friends, which included some readings, some special memories of Daniel, bubbles, balloons, candles, flowers and champagne. |
