An iconic Welsh castle has become the setting of a sea of vibrant metal flowers as part of a public art exhibition celebrating 21 years of hospice care.
The eye-catching Flower Power Appeal 2016, which is reminiscent of the spectacular Tower of London poppies installation in 2014 marking 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War, is the brainchild of fundraisers at St Kentigern Hospice in St Asaph, Denbighshire.
The eight-bed in-patient hospice, a member of Care Forum Wales, is celebrating 21 years of delivering specialist palliative care for those with life-threatening and terminal illness and fundraisers were keen to mark the milestone in a positive and uplifting way – while also generating funds for future care.
The art project, which is being installed at Rhuddlan Castle in Rhuddlan, Denbighshire, has received sponsorship from local firms Wynne Construction and Thorncliffe Building Supplies which has enabled fundraisers to cover the cost of colourful metal flowers.
Each bloom is being individually sold to individuals and families in memory of their loved ones as well as hospice supporters. Thanks to the business sponsorship, 100% of the funds raised will be invested back into hospice care.
More than 20 students from Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay helped hospice workers during a mass planting exercise at the castle which brought the green lawns surrounding the historic landmark to life. The young volunteers stepped into the breach as part of their Welsh Baccalaureate work.
“It is a truly wonderful sight and everything that we hoped it would be,” said Fundraising Manager Laura Parry.
“We wanted to mark our 21st anniversary in an inspiring and uplifting way and this project has fitted the bill perfectly. It has also offered many bereaving families a poignant way of remembering their loved ones while also helping to secure the care of future patients.
“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their unfaltering support which will ensure all the funds raised through this project go directly to the hospice. As an organisation, over 80% of our income is generated through public donations and fundraising. Every gesture of goodwill helps us to continue delivering high-quality care to those who need it.”
The display features red anemones, yellow sunflowers and blue forget-me-nots and has been created on a field directly in front of the castle providing an extra surprise for visitors to the castle this summer.
The art installation will be on-site from now until September 1 and will also form part of Rhuddlan’s entry to Wales in Bloom.
Those who have already sponsored flower will be invited to a VIP viewing of the display on the afternoon of June 30 – and will be able to take their flower home at the end of the exhibition in September.
Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, congratulated fundraisers at St Kentigern Hospice for coming up with such a unique and inspiring way to mark its 21st anniversary.
“Over the past two decades, St Kentigern Hospice has worked incredibly hard to provide a comfortable and loving environment for people requiring acute care and I can think of no better or more poignant way to mark that dedication and commitment than a sea of bright flowers at one of Wales’ most historic buildings,” he said.
“I wish the fundraisers every success in this project and would like to offer my personal congratulations for reaching this fantastic milestone. I hope that many visitors will turn out to enjoy this wonderful exhibition throughout the summer and appreciate the important care the hospice provides.”
There are still flowers available for purchase and cost £12 each. For more information, call St Kentigern’s fundraising office on 01745 536022 or purchase online at http://www.stkentigernhospice.org.uk/event/flower-power-appeal-2016/
