One thousand butterflies have descended on Stroud.
Metal butterflies have been dedicated in memory of loved ones and are on display in a new sculpture in Stroud’s Museum in the Park’s walled garden.
The initiative organised by Longfield Community Hospice, has so far raised over £22,000 for their hospice care, which has continued throughout the pandemic. Longfield is hoping for more donations over the coming weeks to help fund the vital care they provide across Gloucestershire for patients, families, and carers.
The sculpture, proudly sponsored by Daikin, has previously been on display at Gloucester Cathedral and has winged its way to the Museum in the Park where it will remain in place until July 24.
The suggested donation for a butterfly is £25 or more, which will go towards Longfield’s free care and support. Once the installation has ended, the butterflies will go to supporters to keep as a lasting tribute in their forever homes.
Angela Pearce is one of the many people who have supported the appeal. Her daughter Vicky Wakefield-Heath received vital Longfield Hospice at Home care, allowing her precious time with her family and her son, Spencer, who was only a baby when she died of cancer aged just 26.
“Vicky was a very special lady, and adored mummy to her son, Spencer. He was only seven-months-old when she died but Vicky still managed to organise so much for his future and was a wonderful mummy to him,” Angela said.
“Vicks was a precious daughter and best friend to me, and I can still remember the fits of giggles we had.
“Longfield have helped us through some difficult times and the Butterfly appeal is a wonderful way of keeping her memory alive for us all.”
Head of Fundraising and Marketing, Rachel Jones, said they are delighted with the response to the appeal so far.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has donated a Butterfly for our garden sculpture at Museum in the Park,” she said.
“The colourful display looks really striking nestled amongst the beautiful flowers and against the stunning backdrop of the walled garden, and we urge people to come down and visit.”
“We must also say a big thank you to the Museum for helping us put on the exhibition, which is raising vital funds for our work supporting the people of Gloucestershire through Hospice at Home, Bereavement Counselling, and Day Therapy.”
The exhibition within the walled garden at Museum in the Park is free to visit with donations to the museum welcome. Visiting times from 14 July until 24 July are Tuesday to Friday from 11am to 4.30pm and Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 4.30pm, with closure for lunch on those days between 12.30pm – 1.30pm.
Covid rules remain in place: wearing of face coverings indoors is required when visiting the Museum unless medically exempt and visitors are required to sign-in using the NHS Track and Trace App.
To order a butterfly, visit longfield.org.uk/butterfly-appeal or call the Fundraising team on 01453 886868.
