Family shares moving tribute of loved ones ahead of launch of Sunshine Meadow in Wrexham

A supporter of Nightingale House’s Sunshine Meadow has shared touching memories the initiative has generated for her and her family.

Emma Palmer, who lives in South Wales, read about the first Sunshine Meadow in a National Trust publication.

She and her husband Rob then decided it would be a fitting tribute to buy a sunflower in memory of his grandmother and have continued to support the initiative ever since.

They will be visiting the Meadow in Erddig in Wrexham – this year devoted to forget-me-nots – for the first time.

Emma said: “We first discovered the Sunshine Meadow through a publication I received at work in the National Trust.

“When I talked about it at home, my husband Rob was instantly drawn to support it by purchasing a Sunflower in memory of his grandmother Eileen Murphy, a lady that I did not have the pleasure of meeting but know that she was a lovely person.

“She taught my husband everything he knows about gardening and sunflowers reminds him of her.

“In 2020, my Dad Mervyn Wilson had a few falls and taken into hospital when lockdown hit and visiting ceased. His health deteriorated and unfortunately, Dad spent the last part of his life in hospital. Because of the pandemic, my brother and I were only allowed a very short visit in his last days. He was a knowledgeable man with a very strong character.

“He loved his garden, devoting his retirement to growing everything he could. Memories of him growing ‘Gardeners Delight’ tomatoes just because I loved them, will be with me forever. Dad’s favourite flowers were bluebells and it seemed poignant to purchase one in his memory when they appeared in the Sunshine Meadow.

“The day my Mum sadly left us was the day we first saw the post for this year’s Sunshine Meadow. We had to have one and show our support. Mum had vascular dementia for the past few years. She spent her last couple of years living with my brother, and although her memory wasn’t always with us, she was happy and well cared for.

“Mum was an amazing person, she worked hard all her life helping Dad run our family business. She was very family-orientated and loved children. Recently going through family photos, the biggest smiles were when she was surrounded by children.

“Mum loved flowers, the thing she disliked was that they had to die. That is why we love the everlasting flowers from the sunshine meadow, they will always be with us.

“When we are lucky enough to receive Mum’s Forget-me-not, it will join Dad’s bluebell and Rob’s Grandma’s sunflower where they will draw a smile on all that see them.

“Being the other end of the Country means we are unlikely to use your services, but we will continue to support you in caring for others. We will be visiting the Sunshine Meadow for the first time this year and I know it will be emotional for both myself and Rob. The Meadow is our link to Nightingale House… You’ve helped us without even knowing it, your forever flowers are our forever memories of our loved ones.”

The sale of the specially designed everlasting Forget-me-nots will help raise money for patient care. A thousand blooms will be on display in the Walled Garden at Erddig.

A flower can be purchased for £30 and become a touching tribute to the life of a loved one or a beautiful gift for a family friend or relative.

Delyth Underwood from Nightingale House said: “When Emma emailed me about why her and her husband Rob supported the Sunshine Meadow, I was really moved.

“Everyone’s reasons for buying Nightingale Flowers are different but to know that our Meadow touches the hearts of people who have never known the support of the hospice, but feel drawn to support the work of the hospice.

“It is comforting to know that the Sunshine Meadow continues to bring a smile to all those who see them and helps us all to reflect on those people we have loved and the joy they brought into our lives.”

The Forget-me-nots will be on display from 1 – 26 June. To buy one go to: https://www.nightingalehouse.co.uk/events/