Hundreds of people visited a special display of sunflowers within the grounds of Cardiff Castle to celebrate life, raising over £50,000 for charity.
Forever Flowers is an award-winning ‘in memory’ campaign by Cardiff’s local hospice City Hospice. Supporters were invited to purchase limited edition flowers, expertly designed by the British Ironwork Centre, to remember cherished family members, friends, colleagues and loved ones.
This year’s Forever Flower was a sunflower, a global emblem of the hospice movement, which for many is a symbol of positivity, admiration, loyalty and devotion. Over a thousand unique and lasting tributes featured in the display at the castle designed by local artist Katherine Jones.
The free display which took place from July 30 to August 14 was open to everyone, not just those known to the charity, to allow people from Cardiff and beyond to view the sunflowers and remember loved ones.
City Hospice’s community reach was evident in a dedicated Celebration of Life event on August 4 which saw over 500 people unite in remembrance. The event featured performances from Rock Choir and harpist Ben Creighton Griffiths, as well as an uplifting speech by palliative care patient Amy-Claire Davies.
Liz Booyse, Chief Executive of City Hospice, said: “What a fantastic fortnight we have had at the castle for Forever Flowers. We’d like to thank everyone who visited the display, as well as our hardworking team, volunteers and sponsors.
“Our sunflowers looked incredible in the sunshine and it has been so moving to see people come together to reflect, share memories and open up about their experiences of bereavement.”
Forever Flowers supports the work of City Hospice, the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in the capital. The charity provides care to people with terminal or life limiting illnesses, as well as essential counselling and support services for the families of their patients.
Following the pandemic and the challenges around grieving, City Hospice’s free bereavement counselling is available to anyone in Cardiff who needs it.
