St Cuthbert’s Hospice’s annual Sunflower Memories display is a beautiful way to celebrate and cherish happy memories of loved ones who are no longer with us.
In return for a donation, a beautiful imitation sunflower is planted in the Hospice gardens, along with a plaque with a loved one’s name. The gardens at the Hospice boast five acres of land lovingly cared for by a hugely dedicated team of volunteers, a lovely place to visit in the summer.
The charity, situated in County Durham, is dedicated to providing free care and support to individuals living with life-limiting illness, people approaching the end of life and people that are bereaved. Each sunflower dedicated helps to raise vital funds towards the £2.5m needed every year to deliver it’s services.
Staff Nurses Lyndsey Harrison and Steph Hall commented: “The Sunflower Memories display always serves as a beautiful way of remembering loved ones for those who have experienced loss. It is a way of bringing staff and relatives together, to remember, reflect on and celebrate the lives of our patients.
The sunflower itself often bears a spiritual meaning to people seeing them, and for us at work, seeing the beauty and bright colours always brings light and comfort to us.
Sunflowers as they grow, turn their faces to the sun which can represent a symbol of hope and also bring joy which is so important in times of need. The display brings light to the memories of those they represent which brings comfort to those who remember them.”
All who choose to donate and remember someone special will be able to visit the Hospice from 1st to 30th June to see the display. Many who take part in the charity’s display each year say that seeing the wave of sunflowers standing proudly in the sunshine is a comforting and welcoming sight when coming to the Hospice. The display is kindly sponsored by local funeral director Stuart Wright.
To dedicate a sunflower visit their website www.stcuthbertshospice.com or call 0191 386 1170.
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Photo Caption: Nursing Team at St Cuthbert’s Hospice
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St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham is a registered charity. Whilst some of the running costs are met by the NHS through local Commissioning Groups, a further £2.5 million pounds per year must be raised by the hospice to run the services, with much of the money coming from local events and fundraising activities.
St Cuthbert’s Hospice opened in 1988 and provides care for people with life limiting conditions, as well as giving support to their families.
The Living Well Centre offers day services each week day, such as physiotherapy, complementary therapies, advice on symptom control and social activities.
The In-Patient Unit, which opened in 2006 following a public appeal, allows the Hospice to offer 24-hour care for people living in Durham, Chester le Street and the surrounding areas. There are 10 bedrooms which provide individualised care planned to support the total wellbeing of each person, taking into account their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. It provides holistic care for patients with life limiting illness.
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