This article is more than 3 months old

Cardiff Adult CF Centre receives Sycamore Gap sapling

News -

The All-Wales Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, based at University Hospital Llandough, received one of just 49 saplings from the 49-foot tree, gifted by National Trust’s Trees of Hope initiative.

Clinicians, former colleagues, volunteers and relatives of patients around the sapling at the planting ceremony.

On Wednesday 18 February, the sapling was planted as part of a small ceremony attended by clinicians, former colleagues, relatives of patients, and members of the Health Board.

It has been planted in Our Health Meadow, a seven-acre green space at University Hospital Llandough, which offers an outdoor retreat for patients, visitors and staff.

Cardiff & Vale Health Charity’s Better Life Fund and the All-Wales Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, were chosen from almost 500 applications to receive the sapling. It is one of only three ‘Trees of Hope’ saplings to be planted in Wales, with others in Gower College Swansea and Cardiff’s Rhiwbina Primary School. A further three saplings will be planted in each of the Welsh National Parks.

We are thrilled to receive and home the Sycamore Gap sapling. It embodies such a special symbol of hope arising from adversity, apparent hopelessness and loss.

For people living with cystic fibrosis and other chronic genetic life-limiting conditions, as well as those looking after them, this ‘Tree of Hope’ serves as a visual symbol of strength and perseverance, as well as a legacy to those who have gone before.

Dr Dawn Lau, Consultant Chest and CF Physician, who led the application

The plaque on the sapling gifted by the National Trust's Trees of Hope initiative

The Sycamore Gap tree, which once towered over Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, was sadly felled in 2023. At the time, the tree was 49 foot tall, and the National Trust chose 49 recipients to represent each foot in height. Other UK recipients include The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds and Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

Dr Ian Ketchell, All-Wales Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre Director, said: “The original Sycamore Gap tree will always live on in our memory, just as those that we've lost to cystic fibrosis remain forever part of who we are. Their courage and their stories give this day its deeper meaning.”

We’re thankful to everyone who has made this happen, so that people with CF, their loved ones, and their care teams will get to enjoy a small piece of the Sycamore Gap tree for generations to come.

David Ramsden, Chief Executive of Cystic Fibrosis Trust