We had the honour of sponsoring the wonderful St Cuthbert's Hospice for their 2018 Sunflower Memories Appeal . During the appeal people are welcome to dedicate a sunflower to a loved one and these are displayed in special planters in the Hospice gardens. The sunflower is often symbolic in hospice care and gives a chance to reflect on happy memories. They were so kind in inviting us to the hospice to see the sunflowers on display, see first hand what they do and have a look around their wonderful grounds. We have close connections to the hospice through our staff, so we were more than happy to help where we could, and visit the hospice to see the special care they provide.

The Hospice

I must admit I was a little apprehensive about the visit and I wasn't sure what to expect. Honestly, St Cuthbert’s Hospice is a world away from what I imagined. It was a place full of smiles and laughter, friends and family and to many a special place to remember loved ones they have lost.

Just a short drive away from our Gateshead branch and through an amazing driveway we were greeted with a beautiful building. The layout and style of the hospice is second to none. There is artwork created by patients proudly hung on the walls for all to see. An amazing Victorian style greenhouse with a lovely collection of plants and an allotment with fresh fruit and vegetables. They even have a spa room! I know what you're thinking, this doesn't sound like a hospice at all. It’s all about adding quality memories to people’s lives and boy do they do that!

At St Cuthbert's there is an In-Patient Unit and each individual room is perfectly decorated and has the most amazing views which brings much needed comfort and normality to patients’ lives. They also have a day service called the Living Well Centre which hosts a number of activities and services to help manage health and well-being of those living with a life limiting illness.

Volunteers play a massive part in the running of the hospice. As we walked in we were greeted by a reception volunteer, we were then served a lovely cup of tea from the onsite coffee shop which is completely manned by volunteers. Strolling round the wonderful gardens we saw a gentleman trimming the hedges. All these people are volunteers, offering their precious time for such a great cause.

Sunflower Memories Appeal

This appeal has been running now for 4 years and is such a bright and cheerful campaign that encourages people to reflect on the happy times they have shared with the special people in their lives. The Artificial Sunflowers have been planted at the front of the hospice entrance, alongside each flower is a plaque which displays the loved one’s name. As soon as we pulled up you could see the brightly coloured flowers at the entrance. It’s not surprising that the hospice has received so many wonderful and heart-warming comments about the sunflowers.

We are extremely proud to be sponsoring St Cuthbert's Hospice in this campaign. We hope that the sunflowers will help encourage happy memories and honour loved ones, whilst also raising money for such a wonderful cause.

Finally, we would like to thank St Cuthbert's Hospice and Kay Carrick, Senior Donor Development Fundraiser, for having us. To read more about the Sunflower Memory Appeal and all the other wonderful things St Cuthbert's Hospice do click here.