St Elizabeth Hospice has launched its annual remembrance event, Sunflower Memories, to celebrate the lives of loved ones across the region.
Now in its sixth year, Sunflower Memories sees sunflower emblems, bearing the names of loved ones who have passed, displayed in St Elizabeth Hospice’s garden in yellow wheelbarrows, while virtual sunflowers are presented on the hospice’s website so family and friends, who do not live locally, can also view.
Normally a special memorial would be held in the garden to give relatives the opportunity to view their dedicated sunflowers, reflect on memories and enjoy a garden tea party in celebration. However, due to Covid-19 and government guidelines regarding social distancing, this is not possible.
As a result the hospice will be launching a memorial display on 1st August at the Buttermarket Shopping Centre in Ipswich, where the sunflower emblems will be able to view in the bright sunny wheelbarrows throughout August, offering families and friends the opportunity to visit and reflect safely.
Pauline Donkin, Individual Support Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Sunflower Memories is a wonderful opportunity to pause and to celebrate the lives of special people no longer with us.
Due to the ongoing pandemic we are unable to host our Sunflower Memories garden party, however displaying the stunning sunflowers around the Buttermarket Shopping Centre means we can still mark this occasion while observing government guidelines and we encourage friends and relatives to do so in a socially-distanced and safe manner.”
Those who dedicate sunflowers do not need to have had experience of hospice services but each dedication requires a donation to be made to the hospice to help raise vital funds for the independent Suffolk charity.
St Elizabeth Hospice provides free services to improve life for people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness. Centered on an individual’s needs, the hospice provides specialist support, whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice.
Neil Pryke, contracts manager at SEH French Construction who are sponsoring this year’s Sunflower Memories, added: “It is important to support local charities which provide a vital service to so many people. Everyone understands and appreciates the amazing job the hospice does and the team at St Elizabeth Hospice are absolute angels.”
For further details about Sunflower Memories visit: www.sunflowermemories.stelizabethhospice.org.uk.
To find out more about St Elizabeth Hospice call 01473 727776 or visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk.