First Hospice in the UK to create a Remembrance Film

Pilgrims Hospices annual summer remembrance Sunflower Memories holds a special place in the hearts of many people across east Kent. Hundreds take part every year by dedicating a sunflower memory marker to their loved ones, and coming together in the hospice gardens in July to share memories and celebrate their loved ones lives.

This year, due to Covid-19, the hospice has been working hard to transform Sunflower Memories from a garden celebration to a remembrance which can be enjoyed from the comfort of home.

Sunflower memory markers are being sent to people at home, and the Individual Giving team are hard at work to prepare a very special film, which will be released on 25 July at 2pm.

Sara Scriven, Individual Giving Manager said, “In a year when we’ve all been asked to stay at home, and many of us are self-isolating on our own, finding a way to support each other, and remember together, we felt was more important than ever.

We’re so excited to be working with Kerry King, freelance BBC filmmaker, to create our Sunflower Memories remembrance film. We’re not just streaming an online service. This film has been months in the making, and will include many supporters sharing their stories, as well as a behind the scenes look at the extraordinary collaborative effort that helps bring Sunflower Memories together each year. It will be a wonderful insight into the world of the hospice, as well as hearing from some of our staff about what it’s been like working throughout the pandemic.”

Sara adds, “At Pilgrims, we feel it is more important now than ever to come together and share in the memories of our loved ones, and this is why I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage everybody across east Kent, who has lost a loved one to take part, whether they’ve had a connection with the hospice or not. Sunflower Memories is a remembrance for everyone in east Kent. Now is the time to join together in celebration of our loved ones and remember.”

Pilgrims Hospices Sunflower Memories remembrance film will be launched on Saturday 25 July at 2pm on their YouTube channel, website, and social media pages. For more information visit Sunflower Memories  call 01227 782062, or email supporter.relations@pilgrimshospices.org.


Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured.  The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.