Rowcroft Hospice is marking the National Day of Reflection on 23 March by inviting people to dedicate a flower in our wildflower ‘Meadow of Memories’ in the hospice gardens in Torquay, as a meaningful way of remembering those who are no longer with us.
“Dedicating a flower in our Meadow of Memories is a unique way of remembering a special person who is greatly missed and deeply loved, and this couldn’t be more apt on this National Day of Reflection,” says Rebecca Cogger, Rowcroft’s Friends and Family Manager. “The occasion presents a unique opportunity to reflect on the loss we’ve experienced through the pandemic, to show support for everyone who has been bereaved during these incredibly difficult times, and to celebrate the lives of the people we’ve lost.”
The National Day of Reflection has gained support from local and national care organisations, charities, businesses and community groups, and marks the anniversary of the UK going into the first national lockdown. It recognises the millions of people who have been bereaved since the pandemic began, many of whom didn’t have the chance to say goodbye to loved ones and had to cope with grief alone.
“This is an important moment to stand together with our local communities, to pause and reflect on all that we’ve been through, and to remember all the people we’ve lost during this pandemic – not just in South Devon but around the world,” says Rebecca. “Here at the hospice, our thoughts and love are with everyone who has been bereaved. Losing someone you love is devastating enough even when you have your usual support networks around you. But the loneliness and isolation created by the restrictions of the pandemic have made it one of the most difficult times in recent history to be bereaved and have had a huge impact on the grieving process.”
While Rowcroft clearly understands the challenges that the pandemic has posed, particularly for those who’ve been bereaved, we also recognise the importance of celebrating the lives of the people we’ve lost. Rowcroft’s Meadow of Memories aims to give the South Devon community a unique way of remembering and honouring these special people.
“For everyone struggling through this pandemic, Meadow of Memories is a poignant symbol of love, remembrance, hope and peace,” says Rebecca. “Dedicating a flower in the meadow is a touching way of remembering and celebrating the life of someone lost. We warmly encourage everyone to make a dedication – not just families cared for by Rowcroft.
“If you make a dedication, your wildflower seed is sown at the beginning of April, and the meadow will flourish and bloom over the following months, becoming the most soothing place to visit to reflect on happy times gone by with special people. The meadow is in its full glory between May and July, and you are welcome to visit the meadow in the hospice gardens in Torquay at any time.
“When creating your dedication, you are invited to make a donation to help Rowcroft care for people with life-limiting illnesses in South Devon, and to support local bereaved families.
“We’d like to thank our generous sponsor Katie Mills Independent Funeral Service for contributing towards the cost of putting on Meadow of Memories 2021. This enables us to ensure that the majority of funds raised go to fund patient care.”
“We are delighted to be supporting Rowcroft Hospice with their Meadow of Memories this year,” says Katie Mills, Funeral Director at Katie Mills Independent Funeral Service. “Helping families to remember and celebrate their loved one in such a beautiful way has never been more important than it is during these difficult times. We are delighted to be able to help the amazing team at Rowcroft Hospice to continue to support people with life-limiting illnesses across our community.”
Please make your dedication today via our website, or telephone 01803 217450.