HUNDREDS of handcrafted forget-me-not sculptures will brightly bloom in the gardens of St Andrew’s Spire in Worcester this August.
The moving display will be planted by St Richard’s Hospice to help fund the free care and support it provides to more than 3,000 people across Worcestershire each year.
People are being encouraged to celebrate someone special with one of the flowers in the display, which they can later take home as a keepsake or a gift.
Each forget-me-not is uniquely commissioned by Ed Alvis, of Metal Art UK, at his workshop near Evesham.
The flowers will be installed on Friday, August 14 and will be on display until Monday August 31.
Sue Fletcher, from Droitwich, takes part in the charity campaign every year in memory of son, Paul, who spent his final four weeks on the hospice’s In-patient Unit aged just 34.
“Supporting Celebration Garden each year helps us cherish memories of a wonderful son and show our appreciation for the hospice’s care and compassion.
“The night he died, the ‘angels’ on duty made us up a bed and encouraged us to stay close. In the early hours Paul turned to my husband and then myself and peacefully took his last breath. In that moment the nurse said something so thoughtful it will stay with me always: ‘who he saw first in life, he also saw last.’
“Paul was as loved on that last day as he was when we brought him into the world. And for that reason St Richard’s will always be part of our family.”
St Richard’s campaigns fundraiser, Laura Clarke, said: “Our 2026 Celebration Garden will once again create a memorable focal point for celebration and reflection in the heart of Worcester.
“Associated with enduring love, forget-me-nots reflect how many of those touched by our care feel about their loved ones; they’re gone but never forgotten.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who will make one of these beautiful sculptures their own, helping us be there for people across Worcestershire when they need us most.”
Supporters will be invited to pick a flower from St Andrew’s Spire gardens at the end of the display, to collect from the hospice or receive via post after the installation is dismantled.
To secure a forget-me-not please visit strichards.org.uk/celebration-garden/ or call the Fundraising Team on 01905 763963.
St Richard’s Hospice is an independent charity offering free, expert care for adults with an illness that cannot be cured, and support for their loved ones and carers.
Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,000 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
It will cost in the region of £12m to run the hospice this year, which includes patient care and all the necessary support services.
Visit www.strichards.org.uk for more information.
