Three close sisters-in-law will come together to celebrate the life of a great family man, described as a brilliant husband, dad, brother and brother-in-law, with pink poppies at Cardiff Castle in August in support of City Hospice’s Forever Flowers campaign.
Forever Flowers, which is returning for its sixth year, invites supporters to remember cherished family members, friends, colleagues and other loved ones with a lasting tribute. This year’s Forever Flower is a pink poppy, symbolising love, compassion, peace and admiration.
The pink poppies will feature in a beautiful display within the grounds of Cardiff Castle from Saturday 1 to Saturday 8 August, with a special Celebration of Life event taking place on Thursday 6 August.
The youngest of four siblings from a very close-knit family, Ian was a fun-loving force of nature whose presence filled any room he was in and for whom nothing was too much trouble.
Michelle, Ian’s wife, said: “I met Ian as a teenager and we had 35 wonderful years together; he was a really good man. We built a life and family with our two fantastic boys, had a lot of fun and explored so many places. Even towards the end, when Ian was poorly, we still travelled all over the UK in our motorhome. He was determined to see and experience everything together. He was very resilient and the strongest man I knew, both before and after his diagnosis.”
Ian was sadly diagnosed with terminal liver cancer in August 2022 after initially going to hospital with suspected gallbladder issues. After having emergency stents fitted, the family were transferred to City Hospice’s care.
Michelle said: ““My biggest worries were not knowing what was going to happen next, how long we had with Ian and looking after the boys. From the moment we were introduced to City Hospice, we were reassured. Ian’s nurse Sarah took me aside and told me everything was going to be ok.
“City Hospice were absolutely brilliant. They were our rock, our go-to. We could pick up the phone and they were always there. I also had counselling with the charity which put a lot into perspective. It was the best thing I did; it made me stronger and able to cope with everything.”
Janice, Ian’s sister, said: “Before caring for Ian, City Hospice had also helped my mum Betty. We always felt that we could contact them for advice or for a nurse to come out, knowing how amazing, supportive and lovely their team would be. As well as supporting Ian or Mum, City Hospice were there for everybody else. It makes a massive difference to the family when you’ve got that support.”
Claire, Ian’s sister-in-law, said: “Hospice care is such an alien thing until you actually experience it. It’s a hard time which City Hospice makes so much easier.”
The family has supported the charity’s Forever Flowers campaign since it started. Each year they set a date to collect their flowers from the castle display, coming together for a day of celebration.
Janice said: “All the ladies of the family get together to visit the display, have lunch and share memories. It’s a really special day for us. My flowers represent a memory of my mum and my brother. They make me feel close to them.”
Michelle said: “Seeing all the flowers is absolutely stunning, and so touching when you realise how many of those flowers are a dedication to somebody. If you dedicate a flower, you’re always going to have a happy memory which will put a smile on your face every time you look at it. I know mine always make me smile. I’ve had every flower since Forever Flowers started and I am looking forward to having a pink poppy to add to my collection in the garden.”
Claire added: “We have memories attached to our Forever Flowers, not only fond memories of Ian and Betty, but new memories from those special, celebratory days where we come together as a family. It’s also a way of giving back something to City Hospice; it’s how we can give back and say thank you for the support we’ve received.”
