11 Feb 2026 Personal Stories

A peony for Helen: Remembering a much loved mum through The Kirkwood’s Mother’s Day in Bloom

When Emma Wilson thinks of her mum, Helen Scargill, she remembers warmth, laughter and a quiet strength that carried her family through even the darkest days. This Mother’s Day, Emma and her family are honouring Helen’s memory by supporting The Kirkwood’s Mother’s Day in Bloom campaign. A heartfelt initiative that invites families to dedicate a beautiful metal peony in celebration or remembrance of someone special.

Helen, aged 63, was admitted to The Kirkwood's In-Patient Unit in November 2025 after her family were told there was little more that could be done for her cancer diagnosis, Emma said: “My mum Helen was given a place on The Kirkwood's In-Patient Unit when we found out there wasn’t much more could be done for her cancer diagnosis. This was all such an anxious and worrying time as it wasn’t that long that mum had been told about her diagnosis. At first we were a little apprehensive, as all this was happening so quickly but I knew as soon as mum arrived at The Kirkwood it was the best place for her to be.”

Helen was admitted to the hospice on Tuesday 18th November 2025 and sadly passed away on Thursday 27th November 2025. Although her time on the unit was just over a week, Emma says the care and compassion shown to the whole family made an immeasurable difference, she commented: “On arrival everything was very overwhelming but we were soon put at ease with such caring and compassionate doctors and nurses with a wonderful calm, warm feeling in its surroundings, it just seemed to make things that little bit easier to accept what was happening. They supported and looked after us all but most importantly gave mum the best care possible especially in her last days. She managed to stay with us for just over a week after going into the hospice and I can’t thank them all enough. They were just wonderful, all the doctors, nurses, support workers etc as well as the volunteers. Even after Mum has passed, they are still so supportive and continue to offer their endless services to help support us at this most difficult time.”

Born and raised in Mirfield, Helen lived there all her life. It was where she met her husband Malcolm and where they raised their two daughters, Emma and Clair. Family was always at the heart of everything she did: “She was such a caring, warm, friendly person,” Emma said. “She was very family oriented, spending time with her husband Malcolm and daughters Clair and Emma and especially with her three sisters, often taking trips to garden centres and parks.”

Helen loved holidays on the east coast, particularly Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby. She adored New Year celebrations, often turning up in tinsel wigs and flashing glasses, bringing laughter wherever she went. She was also famously known for wearing odd socks: “She didn’t want to waste time pairing them up so it was pot luck with the sock drawer,” Emma smiled.

Even in the face of her diagnosis, Helen’s positivity never wavered: “She was always positive and her phrase was ‘it’ll be right’, she never bothered anyone and just got on with it. Even when she was diagnosed she would always say there’s nothing we can do so just have to get on with it.”

Helen was a wonderful listener too, often spending hours on the phone chatting about “anything and everything,” always there for those she loved. For Emma and her family, taking part in Mother’s Day in Bloom it is both a tribute and a promise: “I decided to support The Kirkwood’s Mother's Day in Bloom campaign to support such an amazing cause but also to pay tribute to my amazing mum even though she’s no longer with us. I want to keep her memory alive and we think this is a wonderful idea. Losing mum has been the worst time of our lives and myself, my dad and my sister as well as our aunties just have to cherish the memories we have and hope we do her proud by taking part in such good causes like this.”

Emma is determined to continue supporting the hospice that cared for her mum so compassionately: “It’s so important to keep raising vital funds for such an amazing cause to support what hard work and commitment goes into helping families like ours. We will all do our bit to help raise awareness and contribute to this. Myself and my sister Clair and my aunties have all signed up for The Kirkwood Starlight Walk and will continue to support and raise funds for this wonderful hospice.”

The Mother’s Day in Bloom campaign sees stunning metal peonies displayed in tribute to loved ones a lasting symbol of remembrance, strength and beauty. For Emma and her family, their peony represents Helen’s warmth, her humour, her unwavering positivity and the love she leaves behind. Through blooming petals and cherished memories, Helen’s legacy lives on.

If you'd like to dedicate a peony to a loved one for our Mother's Day In Bloom campaign just click HERE.