Sunflower Memories returns to Blythe House Hospice

Blythe House Hospice is inviting people to take part in its Sunflower Memories appeal, offering a meaningful way to remember someone special while supporting hospice care.

For a donation of £25 or more, supporters can dedicate a sunflower in memory of a loved one and receive a beautiful metal sunflower keepsake to treasure. 

All sunflowers will be brought together and displayed at a special Sunflower Memories service at Thornbridge Hall on Saturday 27th June 2026, creating a moving and reflective space for remembrance. Following the service, each dedicated sunflower will be returned to families to take home. 

All funds raised through the appeal, which is being kindly sponsored by Lovedays Solicitors, will help to provide vital, free hospice care to patients and their families across North Derbyshire. 

Blythe House Hospice’s Roaming Car service provided vital overnight care and support to Marie, from Dove Holes, during the final days of her life. Carley Motley, Marie’s daughter, said: "I genuinely don’t know what we would’ve done without the Roaming Car. It was so scary; not being able to help Mum and to manage her pain. When that car pulled up, we felt a huge sense of relief. The days weren’t too bad, I don’t know whether it’s because of the daylight and feeling safer, but the nights were the worst. When it’s dark you just feel so much more alone and scared. There is no way on earth we could have achieved Mum’s final wish to die at home without the hospice team. 

"It will be lovely to be able to dedicate a sunflower in memory of our beautiful Mum, Marie, and I know Mum would’ve loved this. What a wonderful idea, to dedicate a sunflower in memory of your loved one."

Photo: Marie, Kelly and Carley on Carley’s wedding day.

Kate Holt, In Memory, Legacy, and Individual Giving Lead at Blythe House Hospice, said: "We are so grateful to everyone who chooses to dedicate a sunflower in memory of someone special. Each dedication represents a life remembered and a family supported, and together they will create a powerful and beautiful tribute at Thornbridge Hall. 

"Sunflower Memories is a meaningful way for our community to come together, reflect, and celebrate loved ones, while also helping us continue providing essential hospice care to local families when they need it most."

Photo: Emma Richards, Hospice Nurse.

Helena Griffiths, Practice Manager at Lovedays Solicitors, said: ‘Blythe House Hospice provides invaluable support to so many families across North Derbyshire, and we are proud to play a part in this year’s Sunflower Memories appeal. It is a touching tribute that brings people together in remembrance and reflection, while supporting the vital work Blythe House Hospice carries out every day for patients and families in our community.’ 

Anyone wishing to dedicate a sunflower in memory of a loved one can do so via Blythe House Hospice’s website: www.blythehousehospice.org.uk/sunflower-memories