Spectacular flower display opens to public

CITY Hospice’s award-winning Forever Flowers display at Cardiff Castle opened to the public on Saturday (3 August).

Forever Flowers provides an opportunity for people to unite and remember cherished family members, friends, colleagues and loved ones with unique and lasting tributes. This year’s flower, the Remember Me Rose, symbolises love, affection and respect, while the colour also pays tribute to the charity’s ruby anniversary which is being marked in 2024.

Over a thousand expertly crafted, limited edition roses feature in the spectacular free display, which runs until 11 August in the grounds of the castle.

Those who have purchased a Remember Me Rose will also have the opportunity to come together with other Forever Flowers supporters for a special Celebration of Life event at Cardiff Castle on Thursday 8 August. The free community event, hosted by City Hospice’s Chief Executive Liz Booyse, will feature performances from harpist Sam Hickman and The Super Rock Choir and contributions from guest speakers.

Liz Booyse, Chief Executive of City Hospice, said: “Forever Flowers is such a special time in the City Hospice calendar. It is a wonderful opportunity for everyone, not just those who were cared for by City Hospice, to remember and celebrate loved ones.

“We are incredibly grateful to be returning to Cardiff Castle for our fourth year; seeing the number of beautiful Remember Me Roses on display reminds us of how important this event is to people in Cardiff and beyond. It is especially moving as we celebrate our ruby anniversary this year, marking 40 years of providing specialist palliative care in the community and the expansion of our services over the decades to support more and more people who need us in Cardiff.

“Our Celebration of Life event is always a personal highlight, as it provides a safe and inclusive space for people to come together and celebrate the lives of those no longer with us and I look forward to welcoming those attending.”

Forever Flowers supports the work of City Hospice, the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in the capital. In addition to providing care and services including welfare advice and complementary therapies to patients with terminal or life limiting illnesses, the charity offers counselling and support services for their patients’ families.