An Albrighton garden design business is helping build memories at Compton Hospice in Wolverhampton by creating a  feature in its grounds using the hundreds of bricks and tiles people have had engraved with their loved ones' names.

The sponsored brick scheme was launched as part of the hospice's Raise the Roof Campaign, which aims to collect £1 million towards the impressive £3.5 million refurbishment works which were completed at Compton's in-patient unit last summer. 

The whole interior of the hospice building was redeveloped, to include 18 single, en-suite patient rooms, improving patient privacy and dignity, as well as redeveloped day care facilities and consulting and therapy areas.

More than 300 bricks and granite stones have now been sponsored by friends and relatives - raising a remarkable £38,000 - and engraved with the names of their loved ones who have passed away, to act as a lasting memorial to them.

Andi Way, of Boningale Garden Creation, is currently designing a feature within the grounds of the hospice which will display the bricks and stones, and create a special place to visit.

The firm, which is based at Boningale nursery in Holyhead Road, Albrighton, has chosen Compton Hospice as its charity to support this year, along with Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge, and hopes as well as offering practical support, to organise a number of fund-raising events also.

"Our staff wanted to choose a local charity to support this year, and Compton Hospice was the obvious choice for us, knowing what fantastic work they do and how that wonderful service depends on support from the public and businesses," he explained.

"The work already done within the grounds of the hospice, and the refurbishment itself is very impressive, and I have spent some time there recently to help me fully understand what is needed from the feature, and how it will fit into the existing scheme.

"The plans also include some planting, for added interest and colour,  and I'm hoping to incorporate some seating, so that people who sponsored the bricks will have a special place to come and sit, and remember their loved ones, and for patients to also use for quiet contemplation."

Sue Chance, head of fund-raising, marketing and PR at Compton, said she was delighted to receive the backing of Boningale, and looks forward to working closely with the team over the next 12 months.

"The idea of having the engraved bricks and stones was to give relatives a lasting memorial within our grounds, and to have them incorporated in a beautifully designed feature within our beautiful  landscape is going to be very special.

"We are thrilled to bits that Boningale Garden Creation has decided to support Compton Hospice as one of their charities of the year. Trying to raise funds is particularly difficult in this recession, so we are truly grateful for the contribution of companies like this towards the ongoing care of local people with a life-limiting illness".

The feature will be unveiled at a special ceremony to mark the hospice's 30th anniversary early in February.