Forest Holme Hospice Charity has announced details of a special display of 1,000 handcrafted stained glass fritillaria flowers to mark its 30th anniversary. 

Members of the public have the opportunity to own a piece of commemorative handcrafted stained-glass art, skilfully created by the talented artist Ellie Drake-Lee from Garden Glass Art. The public will be able to view the stained glass fritillaria flowers display free of charge from Saturday 27th April - Thursday 2nd May in the garden at Merley House in Wimborne. The keepsake flowers are now available to pre-purchase via https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/GlassFlowers for delivery or collection following the event.

2024 marks 30 years since Forest Holme Hospice Charity was set up to raise funds for the then new specialist palliative care unit based at Seldown Road in Poole. 1994 was the year Four Weddings and a Funeral became the top grossing UK film, the first UK National Lottery draw took place, and Tony Blair won the Labour Party leadership election.

The Charity officially launched on April 26th and since then donations from supporters have helped the hospice to care for over 30,000 patients and their families.

Formerly known as Friends of Forest Holme, Forest Holme Hospice Charity has grown to meet the increasing demand for the hospice services, led by a team of specialist doctors, nurses, counsellors and specialist care teams who provide practical and emotional support for adults of all ages and their families in a variety of settings, such as their own home, nursing home, care home, in Poole Hospital or in the hospice itself.

To coincide with its anniversary, the Charity has also announced details of a number of other activities and initiatives taking place throughout the year, including a £30 For 30 Years appeal, numerous fundraising and challenge events, as well as the annual Tie A Yellow Ribbon and Light Up a Life remembrance services.

Hannah O Hare, Charity CEO, said, “This year is an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last 30 years, remembering all those whose lives have been touched by Forest Holme, and thanking everyone who has been a part of making the hospice what it is today. The remarkable unwavering support of our community has enabled us to care for thousands of local people living with life limiting illnesses, so here's to the next 30 years of compassion, dignity, and quality end-of-life care for all.”

If you would like to help celebrate the hospice’s 30th Anniversary and learn more about the work of Forest Holme and its Charity, please visit: www.forestholmehospice.org.uk