A stunning display of swaying snowdrops has been installed in the city in memory and celebration of loved ones.
On Friday, August 9, 900 handcrafted snowdrop sculptures were planted in the lawns around The Hive, Worcester, to form St Richard’s Hospice’s Celebration Garden.
The display, featuring the hospice’s floral emblem, comes in the charity’s fortieth year caring for patients and loved ones across Worcestershire.
Laura Clarke, hospice campaigns fundraiser, said: “It is wonderful to see our sea of swaying snowdrops in place by The Hive, they look so beautiful.
“Our Celebration Garden offers a memorable focal point in the heart of the city for anyone to come and spend some time reflecting on precious memories of loved ones.
“Snowdrops are very special to us at the hospice because of the hope that they symbolise when they break ground each year, reminding us that brighter days are coming.”
People are encouraged to celebrate someone special by donating for a snowdrop in the display, which they can later take home as a keepsake or a gift.
Donations will help fund St Richard’s care of patients, their loved ones and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
Each snowdrop is made by Ed Alvis, of Metal Art UK, at his workshop near Evesham.
The flowers will be on display until Monday, 26 August.
Emily Gicquel, from Kidderminster, dedicated a snowdrop to her mum who was cared for by St Richard’s five years ago.
Ms Gicquel said: “When my mum spent her last five days at St Richard’s myself and my children, Olivia and James, learned what a good death looked like. We found a place where an amazing team makes magical memories every day and we made a promise to ourselves that we’d help make sure that care continues for others.
“That’s why we support Celebration Garden each year because, as well as being able to remember and celebrate our precious mum and nan, we’re also helping the hospice put its arms around more people like us.
“It’s always really moving when you see all the sculptures together and realise that hundreds of local people are all united in celebrating someone special. After the display, our snowdrop will join our collection of St Richard’s sculptures in our own garden as a tribute to mum and the care she received.”
Donors will be invited to pick a snowdrop from The Hive gardens at the end of the display, collect from the hospice, or receive via post after the installation is dismantled.
To secure a snowdrop please visit https://www.strichards.org.uk/celebration-garden/ or call the Fundraising Team on 01905 763963.
The Celebration Garden campaign is kindly sponsored by Blue Print Direct Mail Limited, with the garden at The Hive sponsored by Jackson Family Funeral Directors.