A stunning bench, featuring a giant sunflower and pretty butterflies, is the newest edition to the gardens of Mountbatten Isle of Wight, thanks to a partnership with Kissy Puppy: The Sophie Rolf Trust.
A friendship kept alive
It’s the work of Zara Knight, who wanted to create the bench in memory of her childhood friend Sophie Rolf.
Zara said she thinks of Sophie every day,
“Sophie is always in the forefront of my mind. I really wanted the bench to be for her, and something for Mountbatten, because she was always just so giving and wanting to do stuff for other people.
“She was influencing me whilst I was making it.”
Sophie was six years old when she died in 2013, a year after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
Supporting families across the Island
Sophie’s parents Gemma Blamire and Aaron Rolf set up ‘KissyPuppy: The Sophie Rolf Trust’ to help Mountbatten Isle of Wight develop services for children with life-limiting conditions.
Gemma said,
“Her friends meant the world to her and obviously, when she got poorly, at that age friends are everything – they were her life. I think Sophie would be extremely happy that Zara’s done this. It shows their friendship meant a lot to her, and that really means something to us.”
Aaron said,
“It’s phenomenal, I knew the bench would be special, but we were absolutely blown away when we saw it.
“It just epitomises the friendship they had. I remember them when they were little, coming out of school, dragging their book bags, with one sock up, and one sock down. It’s a testament to the friendship that, even after all these years, Zara still thinks of Sophie and does something like this. That’s all we can ask, really, that people keep Sophie’s memory alive.”
From coursework to Mountbatten’s gardens
The bench formed part of Zara’s Design and Technology A-Level at Christ the King College in Newport, but she always knew she hoped to see it in the gardens at Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s John Cheverton Centre one day.
Zara says,
“Seeing all of the work that goes into everything, and how much effort everyone who works here puts into making this such a lovely space, I just wanted to be a small part of that.
“I couldn’t wait for it to be here. I just hope it brings some light, some comfort, and a calm space where people can sit and relax.”
A special connection
Mountbatten Isle of Wight CEO Becky McGregor described the bench as a stunning and moving addition to the gardens.
“It’s beautifully made but the story behind it is so touching as well. It’s so special to Mountbatten because of our partnership with KissyPuppy and that story, of course, first started with Sophie.
“To have the bench designed and made by Sophie’s young friend, and to have that bench now sit at Mountbatten, is just so special. It’s such a beautiful story of that connection between KissyPuppy, Sophie and Mountbatten.”
Over a decade after founding the Trust, Gemma and Aaron continue to raise money to help other Isle of Wight families.
A space for other young friends
The bench sits alongside a children’s play area, the Butterfly Garden, featuring swings and climbing frames, which has been funded by the Trust. It’s open to everyone, so other young friends can have fun together.
Zara says,
“I’ll always remember my friendship with Soph.
“I have so many good memories. I’m just grateful for the time I got to spend with her.”
News shared by Julie on behalf of Mountbatten. Ed
