Sunflower Memories: David’s story
After David Hodgson’s wife, Christine, was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices, he now dedicates a sunflower in her memory as part of the charity’s annual Sunflower Memories campaign. Here, David shares how it helps him to remember Christine in the company of others who have experienced Pilgrims’ care.
I first heard about Pilgrims Hospices through my GP when my wife, Christine, was being treated for a brain tumour and I was struggling to cope. I had thought the hospice would only be there for Christine near the end, but the GP told me that they provided help well before that point.
The staff in the Therapy Centre were wonderful and supported me and my wife through that difficult time. They helped with her pain management and enabled me to care for Christine at home, where she preferred to be. When she went into the hospice for her final days, the nurses were great, and the wider staff so compassionate and helpful.
I regularly attend Sunflower Memories, which I find a wonderful way of remembering Christine in the sunshine – when the weather holds up! It is comforting being around others who have been through similar experiences.David
I tried the one-to-one counselling sessions they offered me then moved on to group counselling. I found the sessions very helpful, as I could see that others had the same feelings and worries that I did. I know now through talking and sharing with others that when anything brings back memories of the good times I had with Christine, shedding a tear is quite normal.
I regularly attend Sunflower Memories, which I find a wonderful way of remembering Christine in the sunshine – when the weather holds up! It is comforting being around others who have been through similar experiences. I have discovered with Pilgrims that there is much support you can give and receive from each other during such moments as I have experienced at the Sunflower Days.
The help I received from everybody at Pilgrims when Christine was ill and during my grieving has helped me tremendously. Thank you all and keep up the good work.
Due to COVID-19, Sunflower Memories will take place online in July 2020.
Although we’re not holding events in our hospice gardens this year, we hope you will join us for an online remembrance throughout July, culminating in a special celebration on Saturday 25 July at 2:00pm.
If you’d like to dedicate a sunflower in memory of a loved one please visit pilgrimshospices.org/sunflowers or contact the team:
- Email: supporter.relations@pilgrimshospices.org
- Telephone: 01227 782 062
