28 Jan 2026 Community

Charlotte’s Mother’s Day in Bloom tribute: “The perfect dedication to our mum”

This spring, Charlotte Davis and her sister are celebrating the lives of two inspiring women, Val and May, whose love and strength have meant so much to their family. By adding dedicated metal peonies to The Kirkwood Mother’s Day in Bloom installation in the historic gardens of Oakwell Hall, they are ensuring that the stories of their loved ones continue to bloom for years to come.

For Charlotte Davis, hearing about the Mother’s Day in Bloom campaign felt like a natural way to celebrate the strength and love of her mother, Val. Alongside her sister Colette, Charlotte has dedicated a handcrafted metal peony to their mother, a gift that reflects Val’s lifelong passion for the outdoors and the quiet resilience she has shown throughout her life. The setting for this tribute is particularly meaningful for the family. Val has always loved gardening, and the sisters have shared many peaceful walks with her at Oakwell Hall in the past.

“She loves gardening, spending time outside and we have enjoyed walks at Oakwell Hall in the past, so it felt like the perfect dedication to her, and a good excuse to visit Oakwell Hall together again.”

Choosing to add their peony to The Kirkwood’s Mother’s Day in Bloom installation felt like the perfect way to honour Val while giving the family a beautiful reason to return to a place they love. The dedication is a deeply heartfelt gesture for Charlotte, who has watched her mother navigate some of the most challenging years imaginable. In 2021, the family lost Charlotte’s stepdad, Michael, to cancer. During his illness, Val was his primary carer, looking after him around the clock with tireless devotion.

“Our mum is incredibly selfless and caring to us as a family. When we lost our stepdad Michael to cancer, she fought tirelessly alongside him ensuring he was cared for every minute of the day, supported and loved in every moment.”

Even as she dealt with the heartbreak of losing her best friend, Val remained a source of hope for those around her. Charlotte describes her mother as someone who is incredibly selfless, always putting the needs of her children and grandchildren before her own. Even in the depths of her own grief, she has continued to offer encouragement and help to everyone she meets, showing a level of compassion that inspires Charlotte and Colette every day.
 

This spirit of strength transcends generations of their family, and through this campaign, Charlotte and Colette are also remembering their late grandmother, May Hatton. May raised four daughters who remain exceptionally close to one another to this day. Despite facing her own battle with cancer and various hardships over the years, May stayed kind and strong, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the way the sisters support each other.

“We also want to celebrate the life of our amazing late grandma, May Hatton. She raised four daughters including our mum and aunties, who are so close to each other even to this day. Our grandma had fought cancer herself and faced other difficulties over the years, but she always remained strong, kind and caring and will always be an inspiration to our family.”
 

As the peonies are placed in the historic gardens at Oakwell Hall from early March through to April, The Kirkwood Mother’s Day in Bloom installation will breathe life into the grounds. Each flower represents a personal story of love and celebration, becoming a collective bloom of memories. For Charlotte, her peony is a symbol of everything her mother stands for. It is a tribute to a woman who has always been there for others, and a way to ensure that the stories of Val, Michael, and May continue to bloom in the heart of the community.

By taking part in Mother’s Day in Bloom, Charlotte is supporting the vital work of The Kirkwood, who provide essential care for people living with life limiting illnesses across Kirklees, as well as offering a support system for their families. Charlotte views The Kirkwood as a fantastic part of the local community, providing the kind of compassionate care that makes a difference.

If you have been inspired by Charlotte’s story and would like to add your peony in celebration of the loved one who helped you grow, you can dedicate your metal peony  HERE and support The Kirkwood.