A sunflower for a loved one

An online space has been created for people to dedicate a virtual sunflower in memory of a loved one.

It’s called the Sunflower Day – Together We Remember campaign and is being organised by Marymount Hospice to help rause funds for Marymount’s hospice and home care services. The virtual sunflower remembrance garden will run for the full month of June.

These dedications can be shared with friends or family members to let them know they are in your thoughts, with every euro raised going directly to your designated local hospice. The initiative was prompted by the cancellation of the annual Hospice Sunflower Days on street collection for the second year in a row, and the devastating impact of Covid-19 on hospices nationwide and their ability to fundraise. It’s in conjunction with Together for Hospice, the National Hospice Movement.

Across Ireland, hospices need to raise approximately €20 million each year with Marymount itself needing to raise €3.5 million each year. All funds raised locally will stay locally, enabling Marymount to continue to provide person-centred, holistic care to patients and their loved ones.

Sarah McCloskey, CEO of Marymount, said: “We are always so grateful for the support of the people of Cork in helping to sustain our services especially at this difficult time. While we will miss meeting the public at our Sunflower street collections for the second year in a row, we would be so appreciative if you were able to support our Remembrance Garden and dedicate a sunflower in honour of your loved one.”