Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity launches Heart of Oak Memory Tree, with Karen’s tribute to husband Dean at its heart
Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) is delighted to announce that you can now dedicate a leaf on the Heart of Oak Memory Tree at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard — a striking new memorial which allows families, friends, and shipmates to honour loved ones.
For Karen, it is also a deeply personal tribute to her late husband Dean, who dedicated over 35 years to the Royal Navy before becoming the charity’s first Payroll Giving Manager.
Karen explains:
“Dean was a very gentle, thoughtful man – an excellent cook, a devoted father, and someone who always looked after others. The Navy was his life, and when he transitioned to working with Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, it was the perfect continuation of that service. He loved being able to help others.”
After a courageous battle with cancer, Dean passed away in 2023. Adding his name to the Memory Tree brings Karen some comfort and pride:
“To have a leaf on the Memory Tree in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, close to HMS Victory, is incredibly special. It feels like Dean is once again surrounded by his shipmates. A leaf on the tree is the perfect tribute- it reflects our love of the outdoors and honours his place within the Royal Navy family.”
About the Heart of Oak Memory Tree
Designed and crafted from steel by BAE Systems, with installation by KBS Maritime and in collaboration with the Portsmouth Historic Quarter, the Memory Tree stands proudly near to HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum.
Each engraved leaf placed on the Memory Tree honours someone who has served or a loved one remembered, while every donation made supports the RNRMC’s work caring for serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
Karen believes this dual purpose is what makes the Memory Tree so meaningful:
“When you donate and place a leaf on the tree, you not only honouring someone you love – you are also helping others in the Royal Navy community. That’s exactly what Dean stood for: supporting others.”
Support the Heart of Oak Memory Tree
Leaves are now available to dedicate in memory of loved ones, with all donations supporting Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity.
For more information or to dedicate a leaf, visit: www.heartofoak.org.uk.
