Saint Catherine's launches Sunflower Memories Appeal 2022
The charity says it's to help fund patient care on the Yorkshire Coast
Saint Catherine’s has launched its annual Sunflower Memories Appeal on the Yorkshire Coast – which is encouraging the community to rally round and support patient care.
The appeal focuses on the image of the sunflower, which is used all over the world as the emblem of the hospice movement. Sunflowers are thought to represent love, admiration, loyalty, positivity and strength.
Featuring in this year’s appeal is Mark Catchpole, of Scarborough, who has shared his story of how Saint Catherine’s cared for his wife Robina before she passed away in January this year.
Mark said: “Robina had been battling lung cancer and spent time at the hospice last summer for pain management. She celebrated her birthday in July at Saint Catherine’s, with a cake baked by a member of staff, and I was able to be with her every day for four weeks.
“The care Robina received was just amazing. Witnessing first-hand the care and comfort Saint Catherine’s provides, from the nurses to the cleaners and catering staff, it will live with me forever. I can’t think of a better cause.
“I wanted to give something back to say thank you for the incredible care given to Robina, so last year I set about fundraising with the support of family, friends and colleagues.
“You can help Saint Catherine’s too by taking part in this year’s Sunflower Memories Appeal. All the proceeds go towards patient care and you can help ensure other families receive outstanding care, all free of charge, like we did.”
Susan Stephenson, communications and marketing manager, said: “Our annual Sunflower Appeal aims to give our supporters the opportunity to honour and remember their loved ones while helping to raise much-needed funds for patient care. By supporting the appeal, you will be helping to ensure that people just like Robina and Mark receive the specialist care and support they need.
“To run all of Saint Catherine’s services it costs around £5 million a year, with only a third of the funding available from the NHS. The charity relies on the generosity of the community to ensure it can raise the remainder and continue to provide outstanding end-of-life care.”
How you can get involved
• To make a donation, go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/sunflower-memories-appeal-2022
• If you would like to organise a yellow-themed event at home, school or your workplace to raise funds for the appeal, please contact fundraiser Ellie Fry on (01723) 378406 or email ellie.fry@saintcatherines.org.uk
• You can also donate over the phone by calling (01723) 378406 or send a cheque, payable to Saint Catherine’s Hospice Trust, to: Sunflower Memories Appeal, Saint Catherine’s Hospice, Throxenby Lane, Scarborough, YO12 5RE.
• The appeal has been mailed out to regular supporters – anyone who has not received a pack and would like to get involved can email fundraising@saintcatherines.org.uk or pick one up at any of the 12 Saint Catherine’s charity shops. During the coming weeks, sunflower cards will be displayed in the charity shop windows, featuring dedications to loved ones, messages of support or a simple thank you to someone special.
• There will also be limited edition sunflower-themed pin badges (£3.50 including P&P) for sale online at www.saintcatherines.org.uk/online-shop/
How your support will help make a big difference
By supporting the Sunflower Memories Appeal, you will be helping to ensure that patients and their loved ones can receive the most outstanding care – at the time when they need it the most.
For example:
• £25 could pay for an in-patient’s meals and refreshments.
• £100 could pay for a community nurse specialist visit.
• £500 could pay for one In-Patient Unit bed for one day.