Stunning new artwork commissioned in memory

A beautiful, bespoke artwork has been installed in the rapid access unit, a 2-bedded space in Royal Brompton Hospital's Rose Ward as a gift in memory of Valencia Monroe Keenan.

Valencia was diagnosed with congenital heart disease before she was born in March 2022. Sadly, her condition deteriorated in the first few weeks of her life and she passed away soon afterwards, leaving her parents Danny and Demi distraught at the loss of their baby daughter.

Evelina London and Valencia's parents commissioned the artwork, "Where flowers bloom", funded by The Brompton Fountain, to brighten the treatment space with a stunning nature scene bringing a sense of serenity to the clinical space.   

The distinctive lightbox reflects nature and complements the existing environmental décor within the unit. The artist, Emily Allchurch, has layered multiple images from the local area to bring the prettiness of the outside world into the hospital. The artwork represents beauty, fragility, serenity and offers a sense of reverent hope and remembrance.

Valencia's parents, Danny and Demi, recently went into the rapid access unit, renamed the Valencia Monroe day unit, to remember and celebrate their daughter and to see the artwork in place. They said: "It is lovely to see Valencia's short life commemorated in this way. Our beautiful daughter was taken away from us far too soon. While we're heartbroken that she will never grow up and get to know our local area, we wanted to offer something beautiful to other families who find themselves in hospital. We hope that families who come into the rapid access clinic will get the answers and care they need and can feel a sense of calm and optimism for the future."

Janet Powell, Evelina London's Director of Nursing, said: "Danny and Demi's strength through the most difficult of times has been truly inspirational. We will never forget their baby girl, Valencia. We always want to do our best for every family that needs our care and know that colleagues supporting babies and children in the Valencia Monroe Day Unit will do everything they can for families."

Danny and members of his family will be running the London Marathon in 2025 for Evelina London Children's Charity and the money he raises will go towards supporting the work of the rapid access clinic.