A community has come together to transform a local playground and create a lasting memorial to a local child who lost her life two years ago.
A lasting tribute to local child Faye Holden has been created at Foxshaw Close Playground in Whiston. Tragically, on January 10th, 2023, Faye’s life was cut short when she passed away unexpectedly at just one year old. Faye’s family wanted to create a meaningful way to remember her and decided to focus their efforts on the park where she had spent time with loved ones.
With support from Knowsley Council and Whiston Town Council, the community came together to create a play area and park that was welcoming, fun and modern. New play equipment and surfaces were installed alongside a beautiful story telling area. This includes a memorial bench – bought with a donation from developer Taylor Wimpey – which is now known as ‘Faye’s Bench’.
Foxshaw Close Playground held deep meaning for Faye’s family – her parents lived nearby, and her extended family, including her great-grandfather who is the park’s keyholder, still do. What began as a spontaneous balloon release in her honour grew into a much larger vision: transforming the park into a vibrant, welcoming space in Faye’s memory.
Faye’s mum Meg, on behalf of her family – partner Jack and daughters Isla & Neve – said: “It’s something really special. Children we don’t even know stop to say ‘Hi Faye’ and sit with her. Teenagers litter-pick around the bench, and families share stories there. I’d like to thank everyone involved, including Taylor Wimpey, for helping to carry this initiative forward with such a generous donation.”
She added: “This park is helping break the taboo around child death. It’s a topic that nobody wants to acknowledge, and with that it mutes us as bereaved parents. Something like this opens the eyes of everyone and starts a conversation.”
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “We know parks are at the heart of our communities and it is wonderful to see the way the community has come together to create a much-loved play space and a lasting memorial to Faye. Alongside our partners we were delighted to support the creation of Foxshaw Close Playground which offers a welcoming space for local families to enjoy.”
For more information about the park follow @fayes_forever on Instagram and Faye’s forever on Facebook. Isla is pictured near ‘Faye’s Bench’.