Rita Taylor, widow of football legend Graham Taylor, and their daughter Karen, unveiled the Peace Hospice Care Poppies, Butterflies and Daisies display at intu, Watford on Monday 29th July.  Along with poppies, butterflies and daisies created for the charity’s annual appeal, a yellow daisy is featured in the display in memory of Graham Taylor.

Launched in May, the appeal invites anyone to dedicate a hand-sculpted metal and enamelled garden ornament (a poppy, butterfly or daisy) for a suggested donation to the charity.  This is the third year running intu Watford is supporting the appeal by displaying a selection of the hand-crafted ornaments at the shopping centre.  The display opens on 29th July and runs until late September.

Speaking about the handcrafted daisy in memory of Graham, Rita Taylor said: “We’ve been really touched by this gesture in memory of Graham.  He did so much to support the local community and the Hospice held a special place for him.  He also worked hard to help his players understand the importance of giving back to the community.  I do think that was something he was really proud of and meant a great deal.  It was a privilege to open the display and I would encourage everyone to come along to see the display and support the Hospice.”

Ellen Pace, Individual Giving Manager, said: “Our thanks to Rita and Karen Taylor for officially unveiling the display.  Graham was a huge supporter and took a genuine interest in what we did, meeting and chatting to patients and families.  That made a huge impact and was so heartfelt - it created wonderful, treasured, memories for patients and families.  We’re proud to honour him in this way. 

“Our thanks, also, to intu Watford for their fantastic support, again, in helping us to raise the profile of the appeal.  We are a charity and intu Watford’s support has made a huge difference.  It’s made many more people aware that we rely on support from the local community to provide our free services to those in the community with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families.”  

The appeal is still open so anyone interested in dedicating a poppy, butterfly or daisy can do so by phoning: 01923 330 340 or visiting the website: www.peacehospicecare.org.uk/poppyappeal  Peace Hospice Care asks for a suggested donation of £28 for each poppy, butterfly or daisy.  After the display at intu Watford has finished, the charity will contact everyone who has made a dedication to inform them about how, and when, they can collect their poppy, butterfly or daisy from the Hospice.