10 Jul 2017 Community

Sunflowers blossom for Kirkwood Hospice

The sun shines down on Kirkwood Hospice as hundreds join in on a day to remember at annual Sunflower Memories Appeal

A record number of supporters gathered at the Hospice in Dalton this weekend for Kirkwood’s annual Sunflower Memories Appeal.

Saturday 8th July saw the Hospice gardens full to capacity as friends, family and Kirkwood supporters came together to remember their loved ones, past and present, in a touching tribute event.

Kirkwood Hospice’s Sunflower Memories Appeal, now in its fourth year, is a beautiful way to celebrate the lives of loved ones.

In a nod to the Hospice’s emblem, the names of loved ones are written on striking sunflower plaques and ‘planted’ in the Hospice gardens along with many others to form a beautiful carpet of yellow blooms.

As the sun shone down, this weekend gave those taking part in the event the opportunity to visit the Hospice and view their special sunflower on display.

Winding their way along the award-winning garden’s brick path and labyrinth, visitors could take a moment to recall sunny thoughts and happy memories as they discovered their special plaques.

At the end of the day, attendees were also invited to take their sunflowers home with them and plant them in their own gardens, as a special and permanent way to remember their loved ones.

As well as giving those in need the space to remember and reflect, Kirkwood’s Sunflower Appeal is an important date in the Hospice’s fundraising diary. Raising vital funds, the campaign ensures that the high levels of care provided throughout Kirklees can be maintained.

To boost the fundraising potential of the day, members of the public could treat themselves to goodies on offer at the cakes and refreshments stalls and keep themselves entertained with various raffles, face painting and ‘guess the balloons in the car’ activities.

Helen, Mark, Pauline and Leo Hudson, who have all been touched by the Hospice’s services, came on the day as a special tribute to remember their loved ones – Catherine Mary Blackburn, Derek Ian Hudson and Michael Clarke.

Speaking of her Mum, Catherine, who died of a sudden stroke in June this year, Helen shared with us her story.

She said: “We’ve spent a lot of time at the Hospice over the years. My mum came to work as a volunteer on Tuesday nights when it first opened and then she got a job on the bed area and moved onto Day-Care.

“In June this year, in just four days mum went from being fit and well to being gone, aged 64. It’s a big shock and your world’s just turned upside down, in four days.

“We’ve had a lot of support from the Hospice. Gill Hinchcliffe, who was the Matron here and a good friend of mum’s, has helped us a lot in the last few weeks.

“We’re still smiling. Live for the moment, live for today and do what you can, that’s what I say.”

Beverley Suttle, who was visiting from Cambridge, made sure to extend her trip so that she could remember her parents, Joyce and Henry Carter, on this special occasion.

She said: “When the Hospice was first set up, my mum and dad helped with the volunteering and fundraising as well as with various events over the years. There was a little group of them at Church who were all part of this voluntary group. We remember the Hospice being built so this is very special for us.”

“A young girl, Sophie, that my mum taught when she was a teaching assistant, spent her final months here and she was really well looked after. Mum was so impressed.”

“She would have continued to support Kirkwood anyway but when she saw how well treated and looked after Sophie was, she definitely wanted to continue her support.”

Jude Sellmeyer was remembering her son, Jody, who sadly lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease six months ago, aged just 38.

She said: “Jody was such a beautiful person, full of life and loved by everyone. Everybody misses him so much.”

Commenting on the special day, event organiser, Wasim Hussain is keen to extend his thanks to the local community.

"This appeal has continued to grow since it first started in 2014, and this year’s version was the biggest yet due to the amazing generosity of the community." Wasim Hussain

Wasim said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who celebrated the life of a loved one as part of this year’s Sunflower Memories Appeal. 

“This appeal has continued to grow since it first started in 2014, and this year’s version was the biggest yet due to the amazing generosity of the community. We are also extremely grateful to everyone who donated items for the event on Saturday.”