29 June 2018

Sunflower Memories: Hayley’s story

After Hayley Jehle’s mum, Annette Jehle, was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet in 2016, the family decided to dedicate a sunflower in her memory as part of our Sunflower Memories campaign. Here, Hayley shares how this provides a way for them to celebrate Annette’s life and meet other families who have come together to remember loved ones.


When my mother, Annette, was diagnosed with cancer, Pilgrims Hospices was there for us all. Mum enjoyed going to pamper days at the hospice, and knew that she could speak to members of staff for support and guidance whenever she needed. In her last few days, Mum stayed in the hospice and received such wonderful care from all the staff there.

Sunflower Days are such a lovely opportunity for all the families who have experienced Pilgrims care and lost loved ones to come together and remember. It’s very special for us to be able to involve Mum’s grandchildren, too; they always enjoy looking for her sunflower in the gardens.

Hayley

As a family we support Pilgrims at a number of events, and choose to attend the Sunflower Memories day in memory of Mum and to celebrate her life. Sunflower Days are such a lovely opportunity for all the families who have experienced Pilgrims care and lost loved ones to come together and remember. It’s very special for us to be able to involve Mum’s grandchildren, too; they always enjoy looking for her sunflower in the gardens.

Sunflower Memories events will take place at our hospices in July 2018:

  • Canterbury, Saturday 21 July, 11am – 1pm
  • Thanet, Saturday 21 July, 2pm – 4pm
  • Ashford, Sunday 22 July, 2pm – 4pm

If you’d like to dedicate a sunflower in memory of a loved one please visit pilgrimshospices.org/sunflowers or contact Sophie or Sara on 01227 782 066.


If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.