Every year, St Giles invites people to dedicate an orange Gerbera flower peg in one of its gardens in Whittington and Sutton Coldfield, as well as in a virtual garden on the hospice’s website, in return for a donation.

Ali Callear, Community and Family Services Practitioner at St Giles Hospice, helps to provide a supportive space for those experiencing loss and grief.

Ali said: “I see every day in my role the impact St Giles has on our community. Whether that be providing bereavement support at one of our Bereavement Help Points, or working closely with our communities to support people who are affected by or caring for someone with a terminal illness.

“Events like Celebrate Lives Lived are so important, as they help bring our community together to reflect on loved ones who are no longer with us.”

The orange Gerbera flower symbolises joy, happiness and warmth – the perfect tribute to a loved one.

Each Gerbera is personalised with the name of your loved one and placed in a Celebrate Lives Lived garden throughout May, creating a display of celebration and remembrance amongst hundreds of other Gerberas.

Funds raised from Celebrate Lives Lived dedications help to fund the hospice’s work caring for patients, and their loved ones, living with a terminal illness.

It costs St Giles Hospice around £10 million each year to deliver the care it provides, both in the hospice and out in the community – and every Celebrate Lives Lived dedication helps to support local people.

Ali said: “Your donation, however big or small, makes such a difference to the families, and loved ones, myself and the rest of my colleagues at Giles support through such difficult times. Thank you so much.”

To signify the start of Celebrate Lives Lived, a short opening ceremony will take place in the gardens at Whittington at 10am on Sunday 5th May.

Throughout May, you’re invited to visit the gardens to see your Gerbera and take a moment to reflect on the lives of loved ones you hold dearest. Your dedication will also be included in our beautiful virtual garden, where your Gerbera will feature all year round.

Anyone wanting to take part in Celebrate Lives Lived can make a dedication online before midday on Friday 19th April at www.stgileshospice.com/celebrateliveslived or call 01543 432538.