2 May 2025 Community

The Kirkwood’s Sunflower Memories Appeal is back this Summer

The Kirkwood’s annual Sunflower Memories Appeal is back this summer, for people across Kirklees to dedicate a beautiful Sunflower in memory of loved ones who are no longer with us.

The Sunflower Memories Appeal has been hugely supported in the past and will again be giving the people of Kirklees a unique opportunity to remember a loved one.

The Kirkwood are also inviting people to remember their loves ones at The Summer Garden Party a much loved family-friendly event taking place on Saturday 16th August 2025, from 11am to 3pm, at The Kirkwood site in Dalton, Huddersfield. With live music, a BBQ, craft stalls, face painting, and plenty of fun for all ages, it’s a day to come together in joy and remembrance.

Giving people the chance to remember a loved one is important, especially for Hilary and Sophie.

When Laura Turnbull died in January 2023 at just 35, her mum Hilary and sister Sophie knew they wanted to keep her memory alive in a way that truly reflected her spirit, bright, bold, and full of life. Now, through Sunflower Memories, they’ve found the perfect way to do just that.

Sunflowers were Laura’s favourite flower. She grew them in her garden, and they featured prominently at her funeral, and now they bloom each year in her memory, both at home and in The Kirkwood Gardens in Dalton, Huddersfield, as part of Sunflower Memories.

For Hilary, the campaign is more than a tribute, it’s a lifeline.

She said: “Sunflowers remind me of Laura because they are bold, bright and colourful, just like her. When I heard about the sunflower event, it seemed a fitting way to remember and celebrate Laura in such a cheerful and uplifting way.”

Laura was just 27 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer halfway through her training as a veterinary nurse. Despite undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she pushed on with her studies and qualified in 2016 a testament to her determination and love of animals. Her career took her all the way to India, where she lived her dream working with street animals. Tragically, the cancer returned in 2019, spreading to her spine.

In 2022, as her illness progressed and The Kirkwood stepped in. Their Community Nursing team visited Laura at home to help manage her pain and anxiety. She was given counselling and therapy, and most importantly, the chance to express her end-of-life wishes with compassion and dignity.

“The nurses’ approach was compassionate, sensitive and holistic, addressing both her physical and emotional needs,” Hilary explains. “With their support, Laura was able to stay at home and die in the place she loved, surrounded by those who loved her.”

Now, Hilary is sharing Laura’s story to encourage others to take part in Sunflower Memories, to honour someone they’ve lost and support others facing the most difficult of times.

Each sunflower dedication supports The Kirkwood’s mission to provide compassionate care for people with life limiting illnesses across Kirklees. The dedications will be displayed as part of a breathtaking memorial in The Kirkwood Gardens, a space filled with warmth, colour and love.

Finally, The Kirkwood's Events manager, Rachael Savage commented on this year's Sunflower Memories Appeal saying: “Sunflower Memories is such an important part of what we do with The Kirkwood. It gives people a meaningful way to remember those they’ve lost whilst also supporting others who are facing incredibly difficult journeys. Every sunflower dedication tells a story of love, and it’s a privilege to see our gardens transformed into a space of reflection, healing and hope each summer.”

To dedicate a sunflower in memory of someone special, or to learn more about the event, click here.