Family to plant a memorial tree for Dawson

Two year old Dawson lost his battle with a rare form of cancer in November. He captured the hearts of a whole community after he was diagnosed with heptoblastoma in January last year

His mum Wendy said: “This coming Monday at 3pm we shall be having a little ceremony to plant an oak tree in Dawson’s name.

“Where we don’t get to see our beautiful little boy grow, we shall now get to see this beautiful oak tree grow and flourish instead.

“It will be a place we can visit and reflect too, but also a place for people to go if they want to feel close to Dawbs.”

The tree will be planted at Carr Bank Park, next to the Mansfield Manor Hotel, where the family held Dawson’s celebration of life.

Wendy said: “My friend Michelle approached Mansfield District Council as David and I really wanted something at that park, the Mansfield Manor Hotel is there and that’s where we had Dawson’s celebration of life after the crematorium.

“The council agreed to us having a tree and a bench. They very kindly let us choose the spot we wanted - both in view of the sunshine.

“They are digging it all ready for us to plant at 3pm on Monday.

“The bench will be fitted at a later date, but we are very excited for Dawson to permanently be a part of such a fitting and beautiful park.

“It’s a place people can go to feel close to Dawson, as we have his ashes with us there’s no where for people to leave flowers or balloons or just visit.

Wendy added: “We very much welcome anyone who wants to join us as we plant this very special tree.

“I appreciate it’s a tricky time due to school and work but we couldn’t have any later.”