Angel of Hope Garden immortalised as a Christmas card

A unique interpretation of the Angel of Hope garden in Coleraine has been used to create a very special Christmas card.

The Angel of Hope Garden in Coleraine is a place of reflection for families who have lost children. And aspiring artist Eloise Robertson has painted it with a Christmas theme - and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey, has used it for her official Christmas card.

The card captures its main features, including the fountain and the wall of reflection. The inclusion of a robin, children building a snowman and an angel in the sky bring a Christmas dimension.

The Mayor said: “Eloise’s depiction captures the feelings of comfort and peace within the Garden. Inside the card I’ve included a line from the Christmas carol ‘Angels we have heard on high’ which fits in perfectly with the overall theme. The Angel of Hope garden is a unique place within our Borough, and I am delighted to be able to showcase it in this way.”

Coleraine woman Andrea McAleese was the driving force behind the project following the death of her young daughter in 2009.  The garden is designed to be a place of comfort and peace for bereaved parents and family members. On the Wall of Reflection, individual stars remember those who have passed away.
The garden, which is located on the Portstewart Road, was officially opened last August.