Tree planted in memory of Anne Frank

Last night chief executive Dr Gareth Goodier, Chairman Dr Mary Archer, staff governor Jim O'Sullivan, and chief operating officer at the Anne Frank Trust Robert Posner, planted a chestnut tree in memory of Anne Frank who would have celebrated her 80th birthday this year.

This tree also signifies the working partnership between Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) and the Anne Frank Trust.

 

Anne Frank was a very special person who had wisdom beyond her years. She remains to this day an inspiration to people of all ages with her philosophy of peace, respect and tolerance towards all individuals.

 

The tree that was planted yesterday (located in the green space between the staff multi-storey car park and the Frank Lee Centre) is a sapling of the chestnut tree that was outside the 'secret annexe' in Amsterdam where Anne spent over two years in hiding. This tree was her only link to the outside world and made her feel optimistic. On the 23rd February 1944 she wrote in her diary, "As long as I can enjoy it, how can I be sad."

 

 

Anne Frank is a symbol of the millions of innocent children who have been victims of persecution. Her life shows us what can happen when prejudice and hatred go unchallenged.

 

CUH began working with the Anne Frank Trust earlier this year to develop an 'Our Way' workshop package for staff. 'Our Way' outlines our vision, our purpose, our priorities and our values as staff at CUH. This new workshop package aims to explore how we act towards each other as individuals – whether as patients or as colleagues – and how our values guide our behaviour with regards to dignity, equality and diversity.

 

The story of Anne Frank is a familiar and inspirational one. It is used in the workshops as a starting point for discussion and a way of involving everyone in challenging ourselves on the behavioural standards expected in the Trust. These workshops are now being rolled out across the Trust and over the next 18 months all staff will take part in them.

 

Chief executive Dr Gareth Goodier said at yesterday's ceremony, "We are honoured and delighted to have this partnership with the Anne Frank Trust as both parties consider there is real learning potential in having this unique relationship."

 

With thanks to the University of Cambridge who own the land on which this tree is planted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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