Jackson Family Funeral Directors, a leading local name in providing compassionate funeral services across Worcestershire, is delighted to announce its sponsorship of a Worcester memory garden. The St Richard’s Hospice Celebration Garden, now in its sixth year, will see the gardens of St Andrews Spire in Worcester graced with sunflowers and continuing its tradition of commemorating cherished memories and celebrating life.
Having previously hosted five highly successful celebration gardens, the upcoming event promises to be even more spectacular. Hundreds of meticulously handcrafted sunflowers, skilfully created by local artist Ed Alvis at his workshop near Evesham, will bloom amidst the landmark within Worcester city centre.
The public is invited to participate in this heartwarming tribute by dedicating a sunflower in the garden to honour a beloved family member, mark a special birthday or anniversary, or celebrate life’s joyous moments such as the birth of a grandchild. After the visually stunning display, participants can take their dedicated sunflowers home as keepsakes. The garden will be open to the public 24/7, offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy in its beauty from 11th August 2023 until 28th August 2023.
Notably, the installation will coincide with the popular ‘Worcester Festival,’ a highly anticipated annual event that draws thousands of attendees to the city. St Andrews Spire, with its prime location in proximity to the festival’s activities and attractions, is expected to enhance the overall experience for visitors.
Over the years, the Celebration Gardens have proven to be more than just a visual spectacle; they have become a platform for supporting this wonderful cause. Since its inception in 2017, the initiative has raised an impressive sum of over £180,000 for the specialised care provided by St Richard’s Hospice.
Matt Jackson, Sponsor, welcomes the opportunity to support the Celebration Garden, stating: ‘This meaningful community initiative pays tribute to cherished memories and brings people together in moments of celebration and reflection. The Garden has already fostered a sense of community and engagement among both new and existing donors across Worcestershire and the sunflower is synonymous with Jackson Family Funeral Directors, so we’re delighted to have been asked to support St Richard’s Hospice and its wonderful work.’
St Richard’s Hospice campaigns fundraiser, Laura Clarke, said: “It’s wonderful to welcome the Jackson Family Funeral team as this year’s sunflower garden sponsor, particularly as it’s a flower which means so much to both our organisations.
Symbols of strength and resilience, sunflowers are reflective of our work with families as we support them to navigate bereavement. Our Sunflower Group provides a safe and supportive environment which enables those experiencing the loss of a parent, partner or child to share their emotions, feelings and challenges. Funds raised from the Celebration Garden will help us to continue to be there for patients and loved ones when they need us most.”
For more information about the Sunflower Celebration Garden and other upcoming events, please visit the St Richard’s Hospice website: www.strichards.org.uk.
PHOTO: L-R Claire Coffin, Office Manager, representing Jackson Family Funeral Directors as Garden Sponsors of the St Richard’s Hospice Celebration Garden with Laura Clarke, Campaigns Fundraiser, from St Richard’s Hospice. Photo credit: Ruby Edwards, You Do Better PR.
