Hundreds join together online to enjoy UK’s first Hospice Remembrance Film
Pilgrims Hospices has created an innovative remembrance film, as a way to continue its annual summer remembrance Sunflower Memories, bringing it into the homes of hundreds across east Kent.
The event, which would usually be hosted in the hospice gardens at Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, was transformed into an online celebration. Supporters had their sunflower memory markers sent to them to keep in a special place at home, and were invited to make a dedication to their loved one on an online Memory Wall.
The UK’s first Hospice remembrance film, was put together by Sara Scriven, Individual Giving Manager, with the help of BBC filmmaker Kerry King.
Sara told us, “Instead of inviting our supporters into our hospice gardens, this year we brought Sunflower Memories to them. The film was months in the making, and we hope it has given our supporters a real insight into the world of the hospice, and the extraordinary collaborative effort that helps bring Sunflower Memories together each year.”
“We’re go grateful to the supporters, volunteers and staff who shared their stories with us as part of this very special remembrance. With your help, Sunflowers Memories has been our most successful to date, with over 750 people dedicating a sunflower to their loved ones, raising an incredible £31,700 so far. This amount will help support thousands of patients living with terminal illness in east Kent, and with donations still coming in, the Hospice will be able to reach so many more.”
First Hospice in the UK to create a Remembrance Film
Pilgrims Hospices annual summer remembrance Sunflower Memories holds a special place in the hearts of many people across east Kent. Hundreds take part every year by dedicating a sunflower memory marker to their loved ones, and coming together in the hospice gardens in July to share memories and celebrate their loved ones lives.
This year, due to Covid-19, the hospice has been working hard to transform Sunflower Memories from a garden celebration to a remembrance which can be enjoyed from the comfort of home.
Sunflower memory markers are being sent to people at home, and the Individual Giving team are hard at work to prepare a very special film, which will be released on 25 July at 2pm.
Sara Scriven, Individual Giving Manager said, “In a year when we’ve all been asked to stay at home, and many of us are self-isolating on our own, finding a way to support each other, and remember together, we felt was more important than ever.
We’re so excited to be working with Kerry King, freelance BBC filmmaker, to create our Sunflower Memories remembrance film. We’re not just streaming an online service. This film has been months in the making, and will include many supporters sharing their stories, as well as a behind the scenes look at the extraordinary collaborative effort that helps bring Sunflower Memories together each year. It will be a wonderful insight into the world of the hospice, as well as hearing from some of our staff about what it’s been like working throughout the pandemic.”
Sara adds, “At Pilgrims, we feel it is more important now than ever to come together and share in the memories of our loved ones, and this is why I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage everybody across east Kent, who has lost a loved one to take part, whether they’ve had a connection with the hospice or not. Sunflower Memories is a remembrance for everyone in east Kent. Now is the time to join together in celebration of our loved ones and remember.”
Pilgrims Hospices Sunflower Memories remembrance film will be launched on Saturday 25 July at 2pm on their YouTube channel, website, and social media pages. For more information visit Sunflower Memories call 01227 782062, or email supporter.relations@pilgrimshospices.org.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
7th July 2020
Hospice brings Sunflowers home
Pilgrims Hospices annual summer remembrance Sunflower Memories holds a special place in the hearts of many people across east Kent. Hundreds take part every year by dedicating a sunflower memory marker to their loved ones, and coming together in the hospice gardens in July to share memories and celebrate their loved ones lives.
This year, due to COVID-19, the hospice has been working hard to transform Sunflower Memories from a garden celebration to a remembrance which can be enjoyed from the comfort of home.
Sunflower memory markers are being sent to people at home, and the Individual Giving team are hard at work to prepare a very special film, which will be released on 25 July at 2pm.
We’re so excited to be working with Kerry King, freelance BBC filmmaker
Sara, Pilgrims
Sara Scriven, Individual Giving Manager said: “In a year when we’ve all been asked to stay at home, and many of us are self-isolating on our own, finding a way to support each other, and remember together, we felt was more important than ever.
We’re so excited to be working with Kerry King, freelance BBC filmmaker, to create our Sunflower Memories remembrance film. This virtual event will include many supporters sharing their stories, as well as a behind the scenes look at the extraordinary collaborative effort that helps bring Sunflower Memoriestogether each year. It will be a wonderful insight into the world of the hospice, as well as hearing from some of our staff about what it’s been like working throughout the pandemic.”
Sara adds: “At Pilgrims, we feel it is more important now than ever to come together and share in the memories of our loved ones, and this is why I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage everybody across east Kent, who has lost a loved one to take part, whether they’ve had a connection with the hospice or not. Sunflower Memories is a remembrance for everyone in east Kent. Now is the time to join together in celebration of our loved ones and remember.”
At Pilgrims, we feel it is more important now than ever to come together and share in the memories of our loved ones
Sara, Pilgrims
Pilgrims Hospices Sunflower Memories virtual event will be launched on Saturday 25 July at 2pm on their YouTube channel, website, and social media pages. For more information or to take part, visit www.pilgrimshospices.org/sunflower call 01227 782062, or email supporter.relations@pilgrimshospices.org.
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
30th June 2020
Sunflower Memories: John’s story
After John Marchant’s wife, Betty, was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices, he now dedicates a sunflower in hey memory as part of the charity’s annual Sunflower Memories campaign. Here, John shares how it helps him to remember Betty and ensure that Pilgrims can continue to support other families in the future.
I knew Betty for 61 years and we were married for 58, so it was a wrench to lose her after all that time and I miss her terribly.
Sunflower Memories helps both me and the hospice and long may it continue.
John
Although I was lucky enough to have her at home with me in her last months, the Pilgrims Hospices ‘girls’ came in regularly to look after her (and me) and I shall be forever grateful to them, hence my continuing support.
Betty was an attractive, intelligent woman and a really good friend. We enjoyed the same things, especially on Exmoor, our favourite holiday destination. I still go back there to remember her.
Sunflower Memories helps both me and the hospice and long may it continue.
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.
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.
26th June 2020
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:
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.
