Dedications are flying in to Willow Wood for the Butterfly Memory Release, which this year is being held on Saturday 10 July.
It’s a heart-warming way to remember loved ones; make a donation to help care for patients of the hospice and a living Painted Lady butterfly will be released into the wildlife friendly gardens in their memory.
Everyone making a dedication will receive a certificate bearing the name of their loved one, but this year, for the first time, Willow Wood have commissioned beautiful 40cm high metal butterflies with a hand-painted wingspan of 20cm.
These will become a treasured memento and are to be placed in the newly designed Memory Garden at the hospice for the butterfly release itself, creating a stunning visual display.
Due to the uncertainty around the easing of the lockdown a decision was taken earlier this year that, as in 2020, the butterflies will be released by staff and volunteers at the hospice. However as this will go out on Facebook Live, people can still feel part of the event, and a video will be posted on the hospice website.
Laura Marinelli, one of Willow Wood’s community fundraisers said: “I only joined Willow Wood last year, and the Butterfly Release was the first event I took part in. It was so beautiful and although I did feel very emotional, it was joyous to see the butterflies take flight.
“At one point I must have had a dozen on my arms and shoulders, and it really does feel like your loved ones are with you. It’s going to be even more special this year with the metal butterflies, which people will be able to take home and cherish as an everlasting keepsake.”
Full information can be found on the hospice website, https://www.willowwood.info and dedications can be made online. Leaflets are also available and can be collected from Willow Wood itself or any of their town centre shops.
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