A time of remembrance

This year, Saltburn has welcomed the Teesside Hospice Sunflower Memory Garden to mark a time of remembrance and celebration of hospice care.

The garden, located on Saltburn Pier, once again features a Memory Wall bearing the names of 662 treasured friends and family who have all been lovingly remembered by Teesside Hospice supporters. The special wall is surrounded by hundreds of bespoke, handcrafted sunflowers created by the same team responsible for the remarkable Tower of London poppy display.

Michelle Larkin, Deputy Director of Patient Services at Teesside Hospice said, “We are delighted that Saltburn Pier has been transformed into a floating garden, adorned by our beautiful, bespoke, handcrafted sunflowers with our special Memory Wall at its heart. Remembering a loved one is very personal and our Sunflower Memory Garden is a unique and meaningful way to celebrate the life of someone important to you.”

Pictured: Michelle Larkin, Deputy Director of Patient Services at Teesside Hospice and Dave Brough, who has remembered his wife, Vera

“It costs the hospice £6,000 every day to keep our services running and this is only possible with the support of our community through appeals such as the garden. The sunflowers featured within the display are now available to order for only £30 each. They are a beautiful keepsake for your home or garden and by purchasing one you are helping to secure the future of our hospice.”

Local lady Vera Brough, who sadly passed away in Teesside Hospice following a battle with stomach cancer has been remembered on the Memory Wall by her loving family.

David Brough, Vera’s husband, explains how Teesside Hospice helped his family through the unthinkable, “All of the staff at Teesside Hospice were amazing, not just with Vera but with myself and my family too. Vera felt so comfortable when she was in the hospice, she felt at home. The nurses couldn’t do enough for her.”

Pictured: Dave Brough has remembered his wife, Vera, through the Sunflower Memory Garden appeal

“The Sunflower Memory Garden is a special appeal to me, I have three sunflowers in my garden and every time I look at them I think of my wife. Vera would be so pleased that I’m helping the hospice, I like to give something back and know that I’m making a difference to other families who are going through the same. We were together for 45 years, it was love at first sight, I never stop thinking about her but the appeal brings me comfort and a chance to take a pause and remember my wife.”

Pictured: Dave Brough with his sons, Robert and Richard 

The Sunflower Memory Garden is open to the public until 12^th August, where the Memory Wall and sunflowers are available to view. If you would like to order a handcrafted sunflower, please call 01642 811145 or visit https://teessidehospice.org/events/order-your-sunflower/detail

Pictured: Ian Thatcher, Robert Brough, Michelle Larkin, Deputy Director of Patient Services at Teesside Hospice, Richard Brough and Dave Brough

Colin McGinley Independent Family Funeral Service have kindly sponsored the Memory Wall. Garry Savage said, “We are proud to sponsor Teesside Hospice because of the dedication, love and support they show at such a difficult time. This little gesture from our local family business is a way to show how much we appreciate everything they do for families across Teesside and surrounding areas.”

Other local businesses have also come together to support the hospice providing their services free of charge including Vistech Services, Barclaycard, Santander, Co-op FuneralCare, ConocoPhillips and The Spa Hotel. Many Teesside Hospice volunteers are also providing their time for free throughout the campaign. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s support has been paramount in helping the campaign to take place too.

To order a unique, handcrafted sunflower click here