27 June 2017

Hospice gardens grow Sunflower Memories

Pilgrims Hospices has launched its fourth annual summer Sunflower Memories Appeal. In return for a donation of their choice, the public can dedicate a beautiful sunflower plaque to be planted in the hospice’s wonderful gardens over the summer to remember someone special to them.

Each of the three hospices sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet will have a sunflower display in the grounds.  You can say which hospice garden you wish your sunflower to be place in.

The Sunflower Days take place this year during the weekend of 29 and 30 July.

Ashford – Saturday 29 July – 11am – 1pm

Canterbury – Saturday 29 July – 2pm – 4pm

Thanet – Sunday 30 July – 2pm – 4pm

Pilgrims Nurse, Alison Wiltshire, 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 warmly invited to the Sunflower Day tea party, a tranquil and uplifting event that will take place within the hospice gardens. 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.

Pilgrims Nurse, Mary Honey said: “Every day I am privileged to be able to walking 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.”

She adds: “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.

Pilgrims Nurse Sarah Brown, told us: “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 dedicating here or by contacting Sunflower Memories Appeal team on 01227 782062

Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its new wellbeing and social programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent. Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet as well as in patients’ own homes.

Whether its through donationsfundraising, supporting our shopsleaving a legacyplaying our lottery or participating in one of our events – every act of kindness from you helps us to give our care where and when it’s needed.