A hospice has launched an appeal to help relatives remember their loved ones by planting wildflowers in their memory.
Every time a supporter pledges a dedication to a loved one on the St Barnabas Hospice website they will receive a card with a special piece of artwork drawn by artist Hannah Dale.
Wildflower seeds are ingrained within the card, which has been specially made to be planted outside, and flowers will grow in the chosen spot.
The Lincolnshire-based hospice helps more than 10,000 people in their community every year by supporting patients and their families with end-of-life care.
The appeal is backed by Marie Pattison, the hospice’s supporter care officer. Her mum was cared for at the hospice last year.
Marie said: “My mum was the loveliest lady you could ever know. I know a lot of people would say that about their mum, but her positive outlook on life shone through to everyone who knew her.
“When St Barnabas took over her care, they gave our family the chance to see mum shining once again. She was my best friend and I miss her greatly.
“Mum’s biggest passion in life was her garden, and she loved watching the bees, butterflies and flowers from her special bench.
“My wildflower seeds will grow in one of Mum’s plant pots to honour her memory. I like to think that she will be sat watching over my garden, and these flowers will bring me closer to her when I am outside.”
The hospice needs to raise £6m a year to cover operating costs, and the Wildflower Appeal is available to all those who have lost loved ones, not just the families of those cared for by St Barnabas Hospice.
Artist Hannah Dale commented: “I am delighted to support St Barnabas Hospice once again with the donation of the artwork A Lincolnshire Meadow.
“It was inspired by the wildflowers and animals that make their home in our beautiful county. The money raised by the appeal will allow St Barnabas to offer more people in Lincolnshire compassionate end-of-life care.”
For more information see the St Barnabas Hospice website, or follow them on Twitter.
