A tea room dedicated to the memory of a young woman killed by a drunk driver is celebrating its grand opening in Merton and Sutton Joint Cemetery.
Lillie’s in the Garden has been open since September 9, but will be holding its grand opening on Saturday, November 9 in the cemetery on Garth Road at 12:30pm, on what would’ve been Lillie Jane Clack’s 25th birthday.
Lillie was killed on Christmas Day in 2021 and the tea room has been created in her memory by her mother Debbie Clack, with the support of immediate family, in order to provide visitors of the cemetery with a comforting space to reflect and connect with their loved ones.
Debbie said: “It’s not just me getting solace from having a tea room in the same garden as my baby’s forever bed.
“It means that so many other people can also have that feeling of being closer to their loved ones.”
The grand opening will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony by Siobhan McDonagh, MP for Mitcham and Morden, followed by hot and cold beverages and cakes for guests.
A raffle with gifted prizes from both small and well-known companies will also feature, with all proceeds benefiting the charity Eyes Wet Now.
This charity is headed by Lillie’s family in order to provide support for bereaved families in the community.
Additionally, funds raised from the tea room will also be directed to this charity.
When speaking about all the work they have done, Debbie added: “It’s the medicine that I never knew I needed.
“It gives me a warm feeling that I’m there with Lillie everyday.
“It also means that I’m there for other people too.”
Debbie explained that owning a tea room was Lillie’s dream, so when she discovered the space at the cemetery, Debbie knew she had to bring that dream to life.
When she walked into the unused building, she said: “The minute I stepped in the door, it was like a bolt of lightning in my head.
“It was like Lillie said this is our tea room, it was meant to be.”
Lillie was killed after a car crash on Christmas Day in 2021 by drunk driver Charlie Hilton, who was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and sentenced to 10 years and six months at the Old Bailey.
In Lillie’s memory, the family have since been campaigning for Lillie’s Law, which is to get a driver’s licence suspended immediately after causing death, and a lifetime ban when convicted of death and serious injury when driving.
You can sign the petition using this link.
Feature image courtesy of Debbie Clack, with thanks
