A tree has been planted at the Tate Modern in London in memory of Kingsbridge woman Chiara Giacomini.

Chiara, 30, was killed while cycling to work in West Dulwich on September 4, 2013. She worked at the Tate Modern and the Tate Britain for many years, and had just left there to start another job when she died.

Chiara’s parents Maggie and Gio, used to own Giovanni’s restaurant under The Regal Club in Kingsbridge, where Chiara and her sister Serena worked while they attended Kingsbridge Community College. They sold the business in November 2014.

The family were invited to a memorial at the Tate Britain, held in Chiara’s honour, around a month after her accident, and have been in regular contact with the gallery’s director, Sir Nicolas Sirota, ever since, receiving Christmas cards and emails.

“We knew they were planning to do something to remember Chiara” said Maggie, “maybe a plaque or something, but at Christmas we received a personal card from Sir Nicholas to say that a tree would be planted. Chiara was very much an outdoor person so a tree that will grow and blossom would be very special.”

Maggie and Gio visited London on May 22, where the tree is planted in the staff garden, and can be visited by anyone who would like to see it. Sir Nicolas said a few words and the tree, a Crab Apple Blossom, was dedicated.

“It was a very special evening” Maggie continued, “and we’re so proud that she has left this mark.”

Serena, who was unable to attend the dedication due to theatre work in Scotland, said: “Chiara worked at Tate for most of her adult like and made such an impact during her time there, it makes me proud that she is held in such high esteem at the galleries and is still thought about with so much love by her colleagues.

“The tree is a wonderful legacy and a very fitting tribute.

Maggie and Gio both commented on how the “people around here have been so supportive” and with such a small community, people still know who they are and ask how they and Serena are doing.

If you would like to donate something in memory of Chiara, the family ask that you make a donation to the London Air Ambulance Service, who treated her. You can find out more about them here: londonsairambulance.co.uk