Our beloved Mareyah, my granddaughter tragically passed away on 1st November 2022. All her short life we have had to fight for her rights to medical treatment, Mareyah had Trisomy 18 and according to the medics incompatible with life. Our battle started before Mareyah was even born and sadly continued throughout her 7 years of life. I find it hard to believe that we still have to fight, fight for the right to have a little remembrance garden that represents our beautiful Mareyah.  Her resting place at Guiseley Cemetery in Leeds is a sacred space for us, a place where we feel her presence and remember the joy she brought into our lives. It is more than just a grave; it's her little garden that we lovingly tend to every week.

However, recent plans to remove edging and memory items from children's graves threaten to strip us of this precious connection. These personal effects are not mere decorations; they represent the life of our loved ones lost too soon. They provide comfort and solace in our grief.

Unfortunately, this issue extends beyond just our family. Many other bereaved families also face the potential loss of these cherished mementos that offer a tangible link to their departed children.

We understand the need for cemetery maintenance and respect for all visitors' experiences. However, there must be a compassionate balance that respects grieving families' needs while maintaining an orderly environment.

We urge Leeds City Council to reconsider their decision and find an alternative solution that respects everyone involved's feelings and rights without causing additional pain to those already dealing with unimaginable loss.

Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving these important memorials at Guiseley Cemetery - because every child deserves to be remembered in their own special way.