Hospice’s butterflies of remembrance

A local Hospice hopes its butterfly project will offer the community the chance to remember loved ones as it marks its 40th year of caring.

St Nicholas Hospice Care, which is currently celebrating four decades of providing care and support to those facing dying, death and grief across West Suffolk and Thetford, is inviting people to place butterflies in remembrance of those close to them who have died on canvases which will be displayed in their shops.

A canvas will also be available at St Nic’s Hardwick Lane site in Bury St Edmunds to offer those staying at or visiting the hospice the opportunity to do the same.

Karen Fulcher, the hospice’s head of retail, said: “We really hope the community will get involved with what we hope to be a heartfelt tribute of remembrance and a way to celebrate the lives of loved family members and friends.

“We hope our butterflies will honour the lasting impact that those we miss have and act as a reminder that although your loved one is no longer physically present, they are still always with you.”

There are seeded paper butterflies at the hospice’s Hardwick Lane site in all of the charity’s shops which people can use or people can make their own.

Butterflies can also be sent directly to the Hospice: The Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Team, St Nicholas Hospice Care, Hardwick Lane, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 2QY.

People will have until April 24 to place their butterflies. After this date, all canvases will be taken to the Hospice, where they will be displayed together until the hospice’s special service Thankful: a service of remembrance and celebration at St Edmundsbury Cathedral on May 12.

Handmade butterflies cannot be returned, and seeded butterflies will be planted in the hospice’s garden.

For more information, please email enquiries@stnh.org.uk.