Hospice at Home West Cumbria is set to bring the grounds of Cockermouth Castle to life with a stunning ‘Sea of Sunflowers’ this Easter. Following the success of a similar display at St Bees Priory last August, the event promises to be a vibrant and reflective experience for the local community.
From Friday 10th to Monday 13th April, 500 handcrafted ironwork sunflowers will be arranged across the historic castle grounds, creating a striking visual tribute. The display is open to all with free entry, whether visitors wish to remember a loved one or simply enjoy the uplifting sight of the sunflowers against the backdrop of the castle’s ancient walls.
Holly Harkness, Community Fundraising Co-ordinator for Hospice at Home West Cumbria, said: “We are delighted to be holding our second sunflower display this April, creating a space for our supporters to reflect and remember loved ones we have lost, and the patients in our care.
“Cockermouth Castle is such a beautiful setting, and we’d like to thank our longstanding supporters, Lord and Lady Egremont, for hosting our display. The sunflower itself is the universal symbol of hospice care, representing light, loyalty and love, so we welcome you to come along and enjoy the bright display, which we hope will allow people to find out more about what we do, and provide a special opportunity to support our cause and help us continue to make a difference.”
The event is designed not just as a visual spectacle, but also as a meaningful way for supporters to pay tribute to those they have lost. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase sunflowers and dedicate them in memory of a loved one, with dedications displayed throughout the event. These dedications can be made via the charity’s website, at retail shops in Workington and Cockermouth, or at the Therapy and Information Centre in Workington, where supporters can collect a dedication card. Once the display concludes, supporters will be able to take their sunflower home, offering a lasting reminder of both the event and the loved ones it commemorates.
Hospice at Home West Cumbria provides high-quality palliative and end-of-life care to people across West Cumbria, supporting patients and their families during some of the most challenging moments in life. The funds raised through the ‘Sea of Sunflowers’ will go directly towards sustaining these vital services. From 24-hour nursing care in patients’ homes to specialist lymphoedema treatments, the charity ensures that those with life-limiting conditions, and the people close to them, receive compassionate support whenever it is needed.
In addition to clinical care, the hospice offers a range of complementary therapies designed to provide comfort and emotional support. These include mindfulness, reflexology, Reiki, therapeutic massage, and breathing and relaxation techniques. Many patients find these therapies particularly beneficial in the final days of life, helping to provide a sense of peace and calm during an otherwise difficult time. The charity’s Family and Bereavement Support (FABS) team also works closely with patients, carers, and bereaved families, offering one-to-one sessions, group support, and practical guidance to help navigate the emotional challenges of palliative care.
Holly Harkness added: “We hope that the ‘Sea of Sunflowers’ will offer a moment of reflection for everyone who visits, whether they are here to remember a loved one or simply to enjoy the uplifting atmosphere of the display. Events like this allow us to share the work we do with the wider community and highlight how support from local people makes a real difference to families across West Cumbria.”
Hospice at Home West Cumbria relies on raising over £1.5 million each year to provide these vital services free of charge. The ‘Sea of Sunflowers’ represents not only an opportunity for the community to engage with the charity but also a tangible way to contribute to its continued care and support.
For more information about the event or to dedicate a sunflower to a loved one, visit https://hospiceathomewestcumbria.org.uk/events/sea-of-sunflowers, call 01900 873173, or email info@hhwc.org.uk to speak with a member of the fundraising team.
