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BRINGING VETERAN & ARMED FORCES SUICIDE OUT OF THE SHADOWS
Charity registration number: 1195307 (England & Wales) SCO55012 (Scotland)
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Elysium Memorial
A Place of Enduring Remembrance
Our
Story
The Elysium Memorial Foundation is dedicated to all veterans from The Royal Navy, Army and Royal Airforce that have died by suicide. Elysium exists to ensure that stories of courage, commitment, and humanity are preserved and shared, providing a place for remembrance, reflection, and connection for friends and families of all that have been affected.
The Foundation was established with the belief that remembrance should be both personal and enduring. Through a memorial space and digital remembrance, Elysium seeks to create an environment that allows families, friends, and visitors to honour the past while finding comfort, meaning, and peace in the present.
The Elysium Memorial was created as part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to remembrance and will be a place for reflection for all those affected.
The idea of the memorial was born in 2020 and through fundraising achieved groundbreaking in 2026. The build took place over the Spring of 2026 with an opening ceremony attended by supporters and loved ones of those whom the memorial honours.
The design of the Elysium Memorial is rooted in the idea of transition and peace. The name “Elysium,” drawn from classical tradition, refers to a place of rest and honour beyond life, symbolising serenity and eternal remembrance.
The memorial
Ian Vanes-Jones and his students breaking ground at the NMA
Developed in collaboration with designers and craftspeople from A. D. Calverts along with families to ensure the Memorial remains sensitive, respectful, and meaningful.
The Memorial has been made using Yorkshire Witton Fell stone from A. D. Calverts own quarry and bronze materials chosen for their symbolism, longevity, and ability to age gracefully over time. These materials reflect themes of permanence, renewal, and the passage of time.
Burton & South Derbyshire construction college students and Ian Vanes-Jones built the memorial as part of their curriculum and practical education. They showed outstanding dedication and commitment throughout their work.
Luckily for a long time now Burton & South Derbyshire College recognise the benefits of their student’s getting enrichment and work experience and Ian Vanes-Jones allows himself time off direct teaching to co-ordinate projects. For this project they used T level Joinery students x12 for majority of the build and Bench joinery students x10 for the remaining work.
None of the students have been practically trained in concrete and stonework, but understanding footings and building materials they have.
Nick Cantwell generously provided his time and expertise as tele-handler to ensure the smooth offloading of the memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum after it's guard of honour from Leyburn to the NMA.
Our beautiful red acer was generously supplied by Richard Beamish of Trees Direct Ltd
Our memorial & the National Memorial Arboretum
The Elysium Memorial is designed as a contemplative space, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and remember. Its form and setting are intentionally calm and dignified, allowing remembrance to take precedence over monumentality. The Memorial serves not only as a tribute to those commemorated, but also as a place of quiet support for those who return to remember them.
The Memorial space encourages gentle movement and thoughtful pause. Its layout offers visitors moments of openness balanced with areas of intimacy, allowing both collective reflection and private remembrance. Carefully considered design elements represent memory, continuity, and the unbroken bond between those remembered and those who remember them.
The Memorial is intended to feel welcoming rather than imposing—a place people can return to throughout their lives, marking anniversaries, milestones, and moments of quiet reflection.
The National Memorial Arboretum is a British site of national remembrance at Alrewas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. Its objective is to honour the fallen, recognise service and sacrifice, and foster pride in His Majesty's Armed Forces and the associated civilian community.
The NMA has built a reputation as a place of quiet reflection and honour of sacrifice. It has a serenity to it that is welcoming and brings a sense of peace and quiet contemplation of those that have given so much.
