St Barnabas Hospice is thrilled to share the heartwarming news that the charity’s most recent in-memory appeal, ‘Feathers From Above,’ raised over £55,000 for Hospice care.
The concept of the ‘Feathers From Above’ appeal was to create an installation of 1,000 handmade feathers, offering supporters a unique way to remember a loved one.
Each ironwork feather was handmade in Lincolnshire by local Steel Fabricator Kevin Baumber. They were curated at three different heights to form a moving display of art that interacted with the wind.
Supporters were invited to dedicate a feather in memory of a loved one and receive a personalised tag to take home and cherish in their garden or outdoor space.
The heartfelt feather display was held at Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds, less than ten miles from Lincoln. The beautiful backdrop to such an emotive appeal made the event perfect.
Longstanding Patron of St Barnabas Hospice, Warwick Davis, was one of many who attended the Hospice’s VIP reflection evening on Thursday, 2nd May, at Aubourn Hall, which marked the display’s opening. This was Warwick’s first public appearance since the announcement of his wife, Samantha’s, death.
The moving event took place in a twilight setting, with specially curated lighting, illuminated photos of loved ones, and live music from Elizabeth Wallace, musician and St Barnabas nurse.
Warwick issued a statement in support of the appeal: “The loss of a loved one is, sadly, something many of us will endure in our lifetime. It can come unexpectedly or as the result of a terminal illness.
“Nonetheless, the experience is just as painful and heartbreaking. Recently, I’ve come to understand what this means first-hand with the passing of my beloved wife, Sammy.
“Feathers have long been considered spiritual signs that our deceased loved ones are near, so in recognition of that, St Barnabas created ‘Feathers from Above’. By reserving one, you are not only helping fund the essential hospice care St Barnabas provides but also acknowledging and creating a lasting legacy for your loved one.”
On Saturday, May 4th, St Barnabas Hospice welcomed members of the public to the first daytime display of ironwork feathers at Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds. The display was open and available to visit every day until Friday 17th May.
Rebekah Watson dedicated a feather in memory of her sister, Natalie, who received care and services from St Barnabas. She said: “My sister, Natalie, was a funny, kind, and beautiful mother, sister, and auntie. She loved everybody she met and was so generous.
“The St Barnabas nurses who visited Natalie at home were a huge support to her and us as a family. They could not do enough for Natalie in the final weeks of her life.
“It was amazing to see so many special people being remembered through the Feathers from Above appeal alongside my sister.
After the closing of the display, individuals who purchased a feather were invited to collect it from Aubourn Hall or a St Barnabas office in Lincoln. Here, they were able to choose the feather that resonated with them the most.
The total amount raised in line with the ‘Feathers From Above’ appeal is attributed to the sale of feathers, display admission, feather pin badges, the sale of merchandise at Aubourn Halll and additional donations.
Project Lead and Fundraising Development Manager at St Barnabas, Ellie Carter, said: “At St Barnabas, we are so pleased with the wonderful success of the ‘Feathers From Above’ appeal, supported by a variety of generous individuals and businesses, including our longstanding Patron, Warwick Davis.
“We would like to say a special thank you to every supporter who has contributed to the success of the appeal by purchasing a feather. You are supporting the continuation of vital Hospice care across Lincolnshire whilst remembering your loved one in a unique way.
Ironwork feathers are still available to purchase for £30 from the St Barnabas Hospice website, with a blank tag that the supporter can personalise with their loved ones’ name.
St Barnabas Hospice thanks Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds, the Neville family, The Royal Oak Pub, Elizabeth Wallace, Peachy Events, Kevin Baumber, Felicity Jenkinson, Claverings Removals and Storage, and St Barnabas volunteers.
St Barnabas Hospice are a local, independent charity, providing free support to over 12,000 people like Natalie, each year, in Lincolnshire.
If you would like to make a donation, fundraise for the charity, or find out more about the services it provides, please visit https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/.
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