A NEW bench at The Ardagh gardens on Horfield Common is a memorial to nine-year-old Daisy Gilbert, who died last year.
The Ardagh was one of the last places Daisy, who had Rett Syndrome, visited with her parents Emily and Dave, twin sister Martha and younger sister Nora before she became acutely unwell.
Emily said the family wanted to share Daisy’s story to explain to the local community why The Ardagh was so special to them.
“It’s such a beautiful and peaceful place and having a bench to go and remember Daisy has been so important to us. We walk our dog, Yoshi, there most days,” she said.
“Daisy’s life was short, but she left a lasting impact on so many people.”
Rett Syndrome is a neurological condition which most often strikes previously healthy girls between their first and second birthday, leaving them with multiple disabilities and medical complexities for life.
Daisy became severely disabled, with complex health issues. She lost her ability to eat orally, her hand control deteriorated, and she developed severe epilepsy.
Emily said: “Despite all the challenges that came her way, Daisy was one of the most content people I have ever met. She loved people and was known for her contagious smile and love of music. Her favourite tunes always made her happy, no matter what she was going through. She was so strong.”
By the time she was seven, Daisy was suffering frequent chest infections but continued to fight until, in April 2024, she suddenly deteriorated overnight. Her final hours were spent at Charlton Farm children’s hospice in Wraxall.
This year, on the anniversary of her death, the family held a Daisy Day, selling hand-crocheted daisy badges for people to wear to remember and spread her love far and wide.
“We wanted to mark the anniversary, not only to keep her memory alive but also to raise vital funds for Children’s Hospice South West, who cared for Daisy and our family so wonderfully when she died,” said Emily.
The bench provides another opportunity to remember a precious girl in a special place. It bears a plaque that reads: “In loving memory of the phenomenal Daisy Gilbert 15/07/2014 – 27/04/24”.
