Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale daffodil memory garden opens
Press release published
An installation of hundreds of daffodils in memory of loved ones who have died has opened to the public at a hospice garden in Penarth.
The Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale, is hosting its 'Dedicate a Daffodil' memory garden throughout the month of April – featuring 300 hand crafted metal daffodils in bright yellow and green.
The leading end of life charity has been selling the metal daffodils online throughout March, during its Great Daffodil Appeal, and they'll now be in place for people to visit from today (April 1) until Wednesday April 30, from 9am to 6pm each day.
After the public display has finished, supporters will be able to collect their daffodil in person form the hospice, or have it posted. A limited number are still available to buy online.
Marie Curie healthcare assistant, Lauren O'Leary, said: "These daffodils are a lovely way for people to remember their loved one, whilst also supporting Marie Curie."
Rachel Jones, Marie Curie Cymru Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships and Services, said:
"It's wonderful to see all the daffodils planted in memory of our loved ones. To see them altogether in the hospice's garden brings a sense of collective hope and comfort as we reflect on our grief and share our memories of the people that we miss in our lives every single day. My daffodil is for my brother.
"Everyone is invited to come and visit the garden, and we hope that people welcome the opportunity to take some time to reflect and remember."
Marie Curie is dependent on public donations and last year supporters helped the charity provide direct care to almost 40,000 people across the UK via its hospices and through nursing care in people's own homes.
Money raised also funds the charity's free support line and webchat which is available to anyone with an illness they're likely to die from and those close to them. It offers practical and emotional support on everything from managing symptoms, navigating care to financial information, including how to get help with energy bills, and bereavement support.
Marie Curie Legacy and In Memory manager, Abbie Barton, said: "The metal daffodils are hand crafted, and we're delighted to have been able to trial this project in Wales in particular.
"We hear often from relatives of those we've cared for that they want to support the charity in memory of their loved ones, and this is just one of the ways they can chose to do that.
"When our memory garden display ends, people will be able to plant their metal daffodil in their own garden – or display it wherever they wish to.
"We'd like to say a big thank you to all those who have supported this campaign – we think the display looks absolutely beautiful in the grounds of our much-loved hospice."
You can still buy a limited number and dedicate a daffodil by visiting shop.mariecurie.org.uk
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Notes to editor
Notes to editor:
For further information please contact Rachel Moses-Lloyd, Senior Media and PR Officer, rachel.moses-lloyd@mariecurie.org.uk, 07730 617843
Contact the Marie Curie Press Office: media@mariecurie.org.uk / 0845 073 8699.
Please note, Marie Curie is not a cancer charity but the UK's leading 'end of life charity'. We care for people with any illness they are likely to die from including Alzheimer's (and other forms of dementia), heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson's, and advanced cancer.
About Marie Curie
Marie Curie is the UK's leading end of life charity.
The charity provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends, in our hospices and where they live. It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK, and campaigns to ensure everyone has a good end of life experience. Whatever the illness, we're with you to the end.
If you're living with a terminal illness or have been affected by dying, death and bereavement, Marie Curie can help. Visit www.mariecurie.org.uk or call the free Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309.
Whatever the illness, wherever you are, Marie Curie is with you to the end.