Pilgrims Hospices has launched its fourth annual summer Sunflower Memories appeal. In return for a donation of their choice, the public can dedicate a sunflower plaque to be planted in the hospice’s gardens over the summer to remember someone special to them.
Pilgrims specialist nurse Sarah Brown said: “We know from talking to people every day in the community just how important it is that they have the opportunity to honour the memory of loved ones. Sunflower Memories is a chance to share these treasured and beautiful memories.”
Supporters are also invited to the Sunflower Day tea party, a tranquil and uplifting event that will take place on Sunday 30 July at 2pm in the lower gardens at the Thanet Hospice. There will be live music; tea, cake and an opportunity for supporters to come together with others to share their fondest memories.
The events are held across each of Pilgrims’ three hospice sites and last year raised almost £28,000 for hospice care.
Sarah said: “Every day I am privileged to be able to walk alongside people with incurable illness and their families, acting as their professional friend during the difficult time they face. I am always astounded by the resilience of the families we support and it’s the generous community support that makes it possible for me and my colleagues to continue to offer our care.
“I still find people are always surprised at the range of support Pilgrims offers to people. I think together we need to get the word out that as well as coming for end of life care, people at earlier stage in an incurable illness can also come here to do a lot of living.
“Having someone available to support them around the clock is what I hear many of our families and patients say is one of the real differences we make to their experience. Appeal donations and support from the community enabled us to offer that support 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.”
If you would like to take part in the Sunflower celebrations you can find out more and make a dedication at www.pilgrimshospices.org/sunflower or by contacting the Sunflower Memories Appeal team on 01227 782062