Sunflower Memories: Jane’s story

After Jane Dovey’s husband, Christopher, was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices, she now dedicates a sunflower in his memory as part of the charity’s annual Sunflower Memories campaign.

Here, Jane shares how it helps her to keep Christopher’s memory alive and give back for the care they received.

I was first contacted by Pilgrims Hospices after my husband, Christopher, was referred by the hospital. My first thoughts were completely against anything to do with the hospice but that soon changed. The palliative care nurse was absolutely fantastic, and allowed me to care for Christopher at home. The support and help she offered when I stopped working to look after him was just amazing.

Every year, after the event, I collect my sunflower and place it on his grave – he was a gardener so I know he would love to have them near him.

Jane

When my husband’s condition worsened he was taken to hospital. We knew it was time for him to go to the hospice in Ashford, but we couldn’t move him, so Pilgrims came to us. To have their support at that time was so helpful, and is why I now continue to support the amazing work they do.

Christopher

 

I particularly like to take part in Sunflower Memories each year, which is a wonderful way of keeping Christopher’s memory alive, and to give back to the hospice for what they have done for me. Every year, after the event, I collect my sunflower and place it on his grave – he was a gardener so I know he would love to have them near him. Pilgrims and Sunflower Memories are very close to my heart, and it’s lovely to know that I can remember my husband in this way and keep supporting their important 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:

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.

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