Garden to honour James (From Croydon Guardian)

Garden to honour James

9:56am Wednesday 21st May 2003 in

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Six months after James Haddad died from a rare brain tumour, his school St Mary's Junior School opened a prayer garden in his name.

The James Haddad Prayer Garden was opened at the back of St Mary's School by Croydon mayor, councillor Stuart Collins on Friday, May 16, following a memorial service and blessing by Canon Joseph Collins.

In the six months since James died, the garden has been transformed by parents, school staff, and staff from Barclays Insurance, from an over-grown plot into a planted educational garden with a pond, paved terrace bearing the initials JH, with seating, statues and two nature areas.

Robert Haddad, James' dad, said: "We are so touched that the school is remembering James in this way. Thanks to everyone's hard work, the garden now looks beautiful and is a wonderful tribute to James."

Before the dedication, children and staff sang some of James' favourite songs while waiting for the Mayor to arrive.