Colourful tulips will create a memorable celebration garden in Worcester next month.
St Richard’s Hospice will plant hundreds of handcrafted tulip sculptures in the gardens of St Andrew’s Spire in the city this August.
The uplifting display comes in a year of financial challenge for the charity which cares for patients, their loved ones and bereaved people across Worcestershire.
People are being encouraged to celebrate someone or something special with one of the flowers in the display, which they can later take home as a keepsake or a gift. Each tulip is uniquely commissioned by Ed Alvis, of Metal Art UK, at his workshop near Evesham.
The flowers will be installed on Friday, 8 August and will be on display until Monday, 25 August.
Donations to help create the installation will help fund St Richard’s care and support of more than 3,100 people every year.
Hospice campaigns fundraiser, Laura Clarke, said: “Our 2025 Celebration Garden will once again create a memorable focal point for celebration and reflection in the heart of the city.
“Associated with love and affection, tulips are also reflective of our work with patients and carers navigating an illness that cannot be cured. Our Tulip Carers Café provides a safe and supportive place for those caring for loved ones, providing practical advice and support as well as allowing carers to share their emotions, feelings and challenges.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who makes a tulip their own, helping us be there for people across Worcestershire when they need us most.”
Sue Burge, from Worcester, joined the St Richard’s Hospice tulip group to support her in caring for husband Steve who lives with Parkinson’s Disease.
Mrs Burge said: “As a carer there are things you don’t tell friends and family because you don’t want to upset them. St Richard’s tulip group lightened that load; you can share everything from your darkest thoughts to a cheeky laugh – it’s a safe haven.”
She added: “St Richard’s is such a special place; you feel the love as soon as you walk through the doors. The hospice has transformed our lives; it’s just joyful.”
Supporters will be invited to pick a tulip from St Andrew’s Spire gardens at the end of the display, to collect from the hospice or receive via post after the installation is dismantled.
To secure a tulip please visit https://www.strichards.org.uk/celebration-garden/ or call the Fundraising Team on 01905 763963.
The Celebration Garden campaign is kindly sponsored by Whiting Landscape.