Steely determination helps grow tree of life

The stainless steel piece — 16ft wide and weighing 1.5 tonnes — will offer patients’ families the chance to remember loved ones.

It will stand in the hospice gardens on Broom Road and eventually have up to 500 metal leaves engraved with personal tributes.

Steve said: “When I was asked to create a life-size Tree of Life sculpture for Rotherham Hospice, it was too good to miss.

“I know how hard the hospice team works and it amazes me that they raise so much money every year.

“It has been two years since I first sat down with head of fundraising Colin Cawood-Campbell and the team. I’m thrilled we can now look forward to completing this wonderful project and provide them with a future income for generations to come.”

The tree — expected to be completed by autumn — will be made of steel donated by Outokumpu and built by apprentices at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and Newburgh Engineering.

Mr Cawood-Campbell said: “For a long time, we have wanted a special commemorative artwork within the grounds, which would enable patients’ families to remember their loved ones.

“One of our fundraisers made contact with Steve and arranged for him to speak at one of our business functions.

“She asked if Steve could help with anything else for the hospice and the tree plan immediately came into my head.

“We met up with Steve shortly after and he was really taken by the idea and determined to help. In no time, he’d produced an amazing model.”

Colin added: “We are extremely grateful that Steve agreed to offer his considerable skills for free and is producing such a unique work of art for the hospice.”

Hospice chief executive Chris Duff said: “Individuals will be able to purchase a stainless steel leaf as a permanent tribute in memory of their loved one, and businesses will be able to sponsor a message on a ‘bark’ trunk panel.

“It’s the conclusion of a long and important journey for us and we would love everyone to get involved in this special tribute.”

Steve, whose giant Man of Steel will be placed at Kimberworth overlooking the M1, added: “I was determined to deliver the tree for free and I’m proud that we achieved this, with the help of  companies such as Outokumpu, Maher Ltd, Newburgh Engineering, JF Finnegan and Hanna Reed.

"Their generosity, expertise and time have made this project possible.”

For more information about the Tree of Life, call the hospice fundraising team on 01709 308917 or email [email protected].