Dedicate a sunflower in memory of loved ones

The husband of a woman who died after a four-year battle with breast cancer is urging people to dedicate a sunflower in memory of their lost loved ones.
Sunflower Memories at last years inaugural eventSunflower Memories at last years inaugural event
Sunflower Memories at last years inaugural event

Dean Smith from Printers Fold in Burnley is taking part in this year’s Sunflower Memories Appeal at Pendleside Hospice in memory of his wife Sue who died last year.

Sunflower Memories, which ran for the first time last year, sees hundreds of sunflowers planted in the Hospice garden at a special Celebration of Life service on Saturday, June 3rd.

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Each sunflower has a plaque which has the name of each loved one hand written on it. The flowers will bloom throughout June, which is traditionally Hospice Sunflower Month.

Dean, a benefits officer for Burnley Council said: “Sue loved flowers so when I saw the posters for the Sunflowers Memories event I thought it’s be really fitting to get a sunflower in her name.

“I thought it was a fantastic idea, I loved that I could bring the sunflower home to plant in the garden. It was a really fantastic uplifting service and a lovely way to remember a loved one.”

Dr Sue Smith (52) was diagnosed with HER2 breast cancer in April 2012 just after gaining a PhD in the field of learning disabilities. She passed away four years to the day she was diagnosis.

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After working in Rochdale for many years she worked as a learning disability nurse at Calderstones, before taking up a post at Pathways Associates in Accrington.

She had an operation to remove the growth but later found that it had spread to her bones and her brain.

During her illness she attended counselling, reflexology, massage therapy and attended day services at the Hospice. She spent three weeks in the Hospice towards the end of her illness, before going home with the help of the Hospice at Home team.

He added: “I really don’t know what the local community would do without the Hospice. They do so much for not only the person who is ill but their families. I’d urge anyone who has lost a loved one to attend Sunflower Memories to help support the Hospice.”

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The Celebration of Life Service takes place at 2pm on June 3rd and is open to all. After dedicating the sunflowers there will be cream teas and other refreshments available, as well as various stalls.

To dedicate a sunflower plaque or for further information visit the Hospice website at www.pendleside.org.uk or call 01282 440120.