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. 

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.

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.