Sunflower Memories: Jacqueline’s story
After Jacqueline Lane’s dad, George Hill, was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury in 2016, the family decided to dedicate a sunflower in her memory as part of our Sunflower Memories campaign. Here, Jacqueline shares how this helps them to reflect on George’s life and share their memories with other families.
My dad, George, was cared for at the Canterbury hospice in the last three weeks of his life in 2016. When my mum and I became unable to provide the level of care that Dad deserved, we made the hard decision to look into hospice care. At first I felt like we were betraying Dad as we’d cared for him ourselves for many years, but these fears and concerns were soon alleviated when my dad went into Pilgrims.
Sunflower Memories gives my family a chance to reflect on Dad’s life and share our memories with other families who have been supported by Pilgrims.
Jacqueline
The Pilgrims staff treated Dad with respect and dignity, which allowed Mum and I to stop being his carers and to simply enjoy spending time with him. Pilgrims not only looked after my dad, they looked after the whole family at such a difficult time.
I support Pilgrims through taking part in several events. It’s a way of saying thank you, and raising vital funds to ensure that other families receive the same wonderful care and support that Pilgrims provided to us. Pilgrims continued to care for us after Dad passed away. Sunflower Memories gives my family a chance to reflect on Dad’s life and share our memories with other families who have been supported by Pilgrims.
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.
