Mum's tribute to son on memorial

A bereaved mum is urging other grieving parents to pay tribute to their children on a 'beautiful' statue at the city's crematorium.
Memorial to children and babies at Preston CrematoriumMemorial to children and babies at Preston Crematorium
Memorial to children and babies at Preston Crematorium

Michelle Crowe’s son Harry died last year aged 14, and she has now bought a balloon-shaped plaque in his memory, which is the first to be displayed on the statue.

The 35-year-old described the memorial as a “touching tribute to children that have gone”, but said she thought many people weren’t aware it existed.

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Michelle, who lives in Ribbleton, said: “It’s a great way to remember them - it’s so peaceful up there.”

Michelle Crowe with her son Harry before he diedMichelle Crowe with her son Harry before he died
Michelle Crowe with her son Harry before he died

Harry had “complex health issues” and cerebral palsy, and died last February “suddenly and unexpectedly” in his sleep at home.

Michelle said: “It was only by chance, going to another funeral, that I saw the memorial and made inquiries.

“It’s somewhere to go and it’s a memorial, so he’s always remembered.”

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Michelle said she had been told she was the first person to inquire about a plaque, with many people being unaware of the memorial.

Michelle Crowe with her son Harry before he diedMichelle Crowe with her son Harry before he died
Michelle Crowe with her son Harry before he died

The statue includes Winnie the Pooh images on one side, and fairies on the other.

Michelle said: “He was 14, and he loved Winnie the Pooh.

“He was always happy, he loved to be out and about.

“He spent a lot of time in Derian House - they supported him throughout most of his life.

“He loved swimming. He passed away in February, and in the October before he got to swim with dolphins and that was arranged by Make-A-Wish.

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“We tried as much as possible to fulfil his life as much as we could.

“He was a happy little boy.”

Michelle urged other parents to buy one of the memorial plaques, and said: “I think, if people knew about it, I’m sure they would buy them.

“I’ve never seen anything like it. I think it’s really beautiful.

“I go up there a lot now.”

Michelle, who lives with her partner James, has recently returned to university to study neuro psychology.

She said: “I would like, eventually, to work with children with atypical development like Harry.”

The “Bellatrix” is a free-standing marble memorial, with inset granite plaques.

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