Sunflower Memories: Lisa’s story
After Lisa D’Agostini’s dad, Francesco D’Agostini, was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford in 2016, she decided to dedicate a sunflower in his memory as part of our Sunflower Memories campaign. Here, Lisa shares how this gives her a chance to remember, reflect and recognise the vital work that Pilgrims does.
I always remember Dad commenting on the warm welcome he received from staff when he arrived at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford; something simple goes a long way in making someone feel more at ease in unfamiliar surroundings. For his three children, this was our first time stepping foot into a hospice and we were unsure what to expect.
Dad loved a good chat and joke with the Pilgrims staff; nothing was too much trouble and their time was freely given.
Lisa
Pilgrims is such a calm, peaceful and homely place and dad had a lovely view, with his bed positioned overlooking the fabulous garden and water features. I can’t praise the staff highly enough for the wonderful care and time they gave to Dad and to us as a family.
Dad loved a good chat and joke with the Pilgrims staff; nothing was too much trouble and their time was freely given. Patients are treated as individuals with the utmost dignity and respect. We were able to visit Dad at any time, day or night.
Sunflower Days provide an opportunity to remember, reflect and recognise the amazing work that Pilgrims carries out.
Lisa
I attended Sunflower Memories for the first time in July 2017 and found it very emotional. It helped to remind me that others had gone through the painful loss of a loved one just like me. Sunflower Days provide an opportunity to remember, reflect and recognise the amazing work that Pilgrims carries out. It’s so important to support such a wonderful charity in order to ensure that more people have the opportunity to experience the care they may need in the future.
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.
