St Cuthbert’s Hospice’s annual Sunflower Memories display is a beautiful way to celebrate and cherish happy memories of loved ones who are no longer with us.
In return for a donation, a beautiful imitation sunflower is planted in the Hospice gardens, along with a plaque with a loved one’s name. The gardens at the Hospice boast five acres of land, lovingly cared for by a hugely dedicated team of volunteers, a lovely place to visit in the summer.
The charity, situated in County Durham, is dedicated to providing free care and support to individuals living with life-limiting illness, people approaching the end of life and people that are bereaved. Each sunflower dedicated helps to raise vital funds towards the £2.5m needed every year to deliver it’s services.
Staff Nurses Lyndsey Harrison and Steph Hall commented: “The Sunflower Memories display always serves as a beautiful way of remembering loved ones for those who have experienced loss. It is a way of bringing staff and relatives together, to remember, reflect on, and celebrate the lives of our patients.
The sunflower itself often bears a spiritual meaning to people seeing them and, for us at work, seeing the beauty and bright colours always brings light and comfort to us. Sunflowers, as they grow, turn their faces to the sun which can represent a symbol of hope and also bring joy which is so important in times of need. The display brings light to the memories of those they represent which brings comfort to those who remember them.”
All who choose to donate and remember someone special will be able to visit the Hospice from 1st to 30th June to see the display. Many who take part in the charity’s display each year say that seeing the wave of sunflowers standing proudly in the sunshine is a comforting and welcoming sight when coming to the Hospice. The display is kindly sponsored by local funeral director Stuart Wright.
To dedicate a sunflower visit their website www.stcuthbertshospice.com or call 0191 386 1170.