Charity volunteer Colin Fleming will remember his wife with a Remember Me Rose this summer as he supports City Hospice’s Forever Flowers.
Forever Flowers is an award-winning, annual campaign which invites supporters to remember cherished family members, friends, colleagues and loved ones with a unique and lasting tribute. The limited edition flowers will feature in a special display in the grounds of Cardiff Castle from Saturday 3 to Sunday 11 August.
This year’s choice of flower is a rose, symbolising love, affection and respect while also paying tribute to the charity which is marking its ruby anniversary this year.
Colin and his wife Barbara met when they were 18. The devoted couple got married at 21 and were together for 55 years, creating many happy memories including at their first flat on Cathedral Road.
Colin said: “Barbara was a wonderful lady and we loved each other dearly. I couldn’t have wished for a better wife. A very special lady, that’s what she was. Even the little things brought me joy when we were together, like how she always blessed me when I sneezed.”
Barbara was sadly diagnosed with terminal cancer and City Hospice provided her with specialist palliative care at home in Cardiff.
Colin said: “City Hospice put everything in place that Barbara would need at home. The nurses were great; I couldn’t fault them. They administered medication, made sure she was comfortable and that everything was right. If I ever had a concern, I could ring, and they would come out and check everything was ok.
“Dr Capel also came to visit Barbara and she was lovely and reassuring. She would sit up on the bed with Barbara, chatting about her condition and put her mind at rest as much as she could.
“The support continued even after Barbara passed away. I wasn’t in a good place and City Hospice were able to help me process my grief through counselling. I feel like the charity is always there for me if I ever need them, it’s as simple as that.”
Since Barbara’s death, Colin has become a volunteer for the charity and supports many of City Hospice’s events like Forever Flowers.
Colin said: “It began when I donated money to fund a walking football team’s kit and featured City Hospice’s name on the shirt for my sponsorship. That’s when I got in touch with the team about volunteering. Now I do as much as I can – events, bucket collections, making teas in the occupational therapy unit. If I can help in any way, I am happy to do that.
“Forever Flowers is a wonderful idea. It’s a great gesture to remember loved ones and the whole display is inspiring. My daisy from last year is on Barbara’s chair and I will remember her this year with the rose.”