Hundreds of sunflowers have appeared on the windows at Martlets and St Barnabas House hospices in Sussex this month as part of the hospices’ Making Memories appeal.
Community fundraiser Henna Edwards has been organising our participation in this year’s Brighton Pride parade, and it’s a special one as for the first time we join with sister hospice Chestnut Tree House to march together. Here, they tell us more about their involvement.
This summer, three Sussex-based hospices will be celebrating the work they do helping families make precious memories in their first joint fundraising campaign.
You may have noticed that sunflowers feature in the artwork for our Making Memories celebration and even pop up as a theme in some of the stories we’ve shared. Martlets’ chaplain, Vlada Rakin, explains why sunflowers have been used as a powerful symbol across the hospice movement for so many years.
Wendy used to work as a hospice nurse. She is now receiving support as an outpatient at Martlets and explains how specialist hospice care can make all the difference in managing MND.
Seeing her daughter trying on wedding dresses, family birthday meals, and Christmas come early – Martlets helped Charlie and her family to share these special moments. We hear from her sister Amy about how these precious memories are supporting the family through their bereavement.
When a loved one is nearing the end of their life, time becomes incredibly precious. Creating special memories together can bring comfort and doesn’t have to be about grand gestures. Often, it’s deep listening, sharing stories and simply being present that matters most.
Jaheda, a healthcare assistant working on our inpatient wards, explains how her recent pilgrimage to Mecca has given her a new perspective on her care work.
