Poole’s Forest Holme Hospice Charity is marking its 30th anniversary today with the launch of a special display of 1,000 handcrafted stained glass flowers.
The event, sponsored by Gallagher Insurance, is at Merley House near Wimborne.
Specially invited guests include The Mayor of Poole, artist Ellie Drake-Lee and Dr Stephen Kirkham, who was the first consultant at Forest Holme when it opened.
It takes place exactly 30 years to the day that Forest Holme Hospice Charity, or Friends of Forest Holme as it was then known, first opened its doors to raise funds for a new specialist palliative care unit based at Seldown Road in Poole..
Since April 26, 1994, donations from supporters have helped the hospice to care for over 30,000 patients and their families.
It provides palliative and end-of life-care and support to more than 1,500 people each year across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses such as Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s, heart disease and respiratory illness.
Members of the public now have the opportunity to own a piece of commemorative handcrafted stained-glass art, created by Ellie Drake-Lee from Glass Garden Art.
They can also view the unique display in the garden at Merley House from Saturday April 27 to Thursday May 2.
Paul Tucker, Communications Manager at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said: “This installation serves as a symbol of remembrance, hope, and the enduring spirit of compassion that defines Forest Holme’s commitment to end-of-life care.
“The art installation offers a focal point of reflection and inspiration during our 30th anniversary year and is an opportunity for supporters and community members to purchase and own a special commemorative handcrafted piece of art, serving as a poignant tribute to love, loss, and compassion.”
Forest Holme is part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust but still needs to raise £1 million each year so that the team can deliver the highest level of care, when and where it counts.
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[…] The public can view the display at Merley House from April 27 to May 2 and have the opportunity to purchase a piece of commemorative stained glass art created by Ellie Drake-Lee. This installation serves as a symbol of remembrance and compassion, with funds raised going towards supporting Forest Holme’s commitment to end-of-life care. Forest Holme is part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust and relies on donations to continue providing high-quality care to patients in need. Read more here […]