Everlasting peonies honouring loved ones at Sunshine Meadow

Chirk Castle will be adorned with everlasting peonies this summer in memory of those who are no longer with us.

Now in its sixth year the Sunshine Meadow, organised by Nightingale House Hospice, is a touching tribute to the life of a loved one or a beautiful gift for someone loved and treasured.

This year’s peony symbolises love and honour, with proceeds raised by the everlasting flowers helping to fund patient care at the hospice.

The Sunshine Meadow holds a special place in many people’s hearts, including Jean Key, who continues to honour her late husband Richard through the display at Chirk Castle.

Richard received care and support from Nightingale House, on Chester Road, before his passing in June 2022.

“The hospice supported us all as a family in so many different ways during this incredibly hard time,” explained Jean.

“Richard always looked forward to his therapy classes each Wednesday, making sure he had a dignified life through his illness and that all his needs and wishes were preserved and respected.

“Richard also stayed at Nightingale House on two occasions, and again, he would look forward to this. Knowing that he was happy was a great comfort for me, too.”

Richard and Jean

The Sunshine Meadow flowers hold a profound meaning for Jean, especially after Richard’s passing.

She explained: “As a family, we are eternally grateful for all the love and empathy shown to us by Nightingale House, and I feel that these flowers act as a testament to the care we all received.

“I had purchased all but one of the Sunshine Meadow flowers over the years, but the meaning behind them resonated with me even more following Richard’s passing.

“When you purchase a flower, you support the hospice with much-needed funds and receive something that holds so many happy and joyful memories of the loved one you’ve lost.

“This is why the collection of flowers from Nightingale House now means so much to me.

“I look outside to my group of flowers and think of Richard. That is so special and so important.”

The success of the Sunshine Meadow is made possible through the sponsorship of local businesses, Excell Supply, DTCC, Kronospan, and Entrec.

Their support ensures that visitors can enjoy the breathtaking display of everlasting Peonies at the National Trust property.

Dan Groombridge, of DTCC, said: “Since 2016, Nightingale House Hospice has been one of the most popular charities for our staff in Wrexham and is now our resident charity for DTCC.

” And it makes such an impact on the local community. There are very few people who haven’t been touched by the hospice over its nearly 30-year time in existence. The sheer breadth of the area that it operates in is incredible.

“It’s really important that companies like ours and other local companies provide the hospice with corporate sponsorship, as it profoundly impacts people living with life-limiting illnesses throughout Nightingale House’s catchment area.”

The Sunshine Meadow is on display at Chirk Castle throughout the month of June. The Peonies are still available to be purchased directly through the Nightingale House Website