A hospice in Cumbria is inviting families across the county to remember a loved one this summer.

This comes as Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice bring back their annual ‘Garden of Memories’ appeal.

The hospice said the appeal gives people the chance to make a real difference to the families who receive the charity’s dedicated and compassionate care.

People can make a donation and have the option of having a wildflower sown, or a chosen memorial word/personalised message engraved on a wooden plaque and displayed in the hospice gardens throughout August.

Those wanting to take part are invited to come to the hospice, relax, and surround themselves with memories they hold dear by attending a special service on August 8, at 6:30pm.

There will also be an event to attend the hospice’s gardens at Bitts Park on August 6 at 5pm.

This year’s appeal centres around the story of Cynthia Sherdley, a volunteer gardener at the hospice.

Her husband Carl died at the hospice in 2012 after his diagnosis with skin cancer, and later, brain cancer.

She said: “I know only too well how important your local hospice’s gardens are – not only because I’m one of the small, but dedicated, team of volunteers who look after the grounds – but also because they were such a special place for my husband Carl and I while he was being cared for.

“Carl’s room backed onto the walled garden, a quiet and peaceful area which we spent so much time in.

“He often wasn’t well enough to go any further, so it was lovely to have this green space full of new life so close by.

“The experience we had left such an impression on me that ever since I’ve been volunteering to help maintain the gardens so others can enjoy them like we did. 

“Every time I go into the walled garden I think of Carl.

“It reminds of me of his bravery and how I never heard him complain once despite his illness, but the colours of the flowers also remind of his love for life, his love for rock music and leather jackets and his passion for visiting new places across the world, something we shared together.”