Part two of The Keepsake Circle project
In 2024, we first introduced The Keepsake Circle. This wonderful collaboration has brought some of the families we support together with professional songwriters to create unique songs in memory of their child who has died. Part 1 of the project was launched at a concert in 2024 and released publicly as an album. It was the first time we had done something like this, and families told us that hearing their child’s life expressed through music brought comfort, connection, and a sense of enduring presence.
Earlier this year, ten new families gathered together at Caswell House, Oxfordshire, to hear Part 2 of this special project: Ten new songs, uniquely created for their children in memory. The songs are not just memories, they are also stories — of laughter, character, music tastes, tiny everyday moments, and the huge impact each child had on the people around them.
We’re pleased to announce that these songs are now available publicly so that families, friends, and supporters, or just anyone who loves music, can listen, support and be part of the memories.
How the Keepsake project works: turning memories into music
Every family who takes part is supported by the Helen & Douglas House Bereavement Team, who help them explore memories — from funny moments, to brave occasions and everyday snapshots — and reflect on the unique spark their child brought to the world.
From these conversations, the creative team at The Keepsake Circle — made up of Kiki Deville, internationally acclaimed singer and bereaved parent, Angus Powell, award‑winning songwriter and Gregor Gergő Petri, instrumentalist and producer — shape those memories into a completely original song.
The process is gentle, collaborative, and deeply personal. Some families share stories over tea and tissues. Others talk about favourite places, favourite foods, or the soundtrack that filled their home. However the conversation begins, it always becomes something extraordinary.
Watch memories from the family concert: The Keepsake Circle – Part 1 here:
Finley’s story: “He lived life at 100 miles an hour”
Among the ten new songs is one created in memory of Finley, who stayed regularly at Helen & Douglas House for respite care before he died in May 2023 at the age of 14.
His mum, Michaela, shared their experience of Helen & Douglas House and taking part in the project alongside her husband Justin and daughter Lucie:
“Helen & Douglas House has been a lifeline for our family. Everyone has been so kind and supportive, not just to Finley but to all of us.”
Michaela described her wishes for the Keepsake Circle song for Finley:
“We wanted it to include the things that Finley did and how he lived his life. When he was well, he did everything at 100 miles an hour! We also wanted his taste in music to be reflected and his big presence.”
“To be able to remember our son in a musical way is astonishing. This has been a transformation in our grief journey. Finley will live forever in song.”
A project built made possible by supporters
The Keepsake Circle project has been funded through an incredibly generous hospice supporter. Helen & Douglas House was only the second hospice in the UK to offer this musical legacy to families when we started the project.
Sally Hayes, Director of Nursing and Care, reflected on what the project has meant:
“It has given us another way to reach families who may not otherwise engage with bereavement support. Hearing the songs performed live for the first time with families was incredibly emotional.”
For Kiki Deville, co‑creator of the project and a bereaved parent herself, the work carries profound personal meaning:
“It is an honour to get to know these children through the memories of their wonderful families. This is my son Dexter’s legacy, and I am proud that his name lives on in this work.”
Listen to the album: Keepsake Circle – Helen & Douglas (Part 2)
The Helen & Douglas House The Keepsake Circle album is available for all to listen to. You can listen and download the songs online, they might resonate with you, or just be a song that demonstrates the work we do. Sales from the songs will come to Helen & Douglas House.
All purchases will be donated to Helen & Douglas House.
Listen and download the songs
The Keepsake Circle album is available on the links below, or search for the Keepsake Circle: Helen & Douglas – Part 2.
Thank you to the owners of Caswell House for allowing us to hold the event in this beautiful venue, and to the staff of Caswell House and Caswell Kitchen for making us feel so welcome.
Thanks Haddenham Garden Centre for providing the plants, which were given to the families as a memory of the day.
Thanks also go to Ivory Motion for photographs and media captured on the day.
How we support bereaved parents
Bereavement support is available to any family, bereaved of a child, within our catchment area. It can be provided through individual support, as a couple and via support groups. If the level of mental health support required is more than we can offer, we will work with you and your GP to refer you to appropriate services. Visit our bereavement support page for more information.
Related links
- The Keepsake Circle – www.thekeepsakecircle.com
- Caswell House caswellhouse.co.uk