As we are coming out of spring into summer we wanted to invite you to take part in our Sunflower Appeal.

The appeal focuses on the image of the sunflower, which is used all over the world as the emblem of the hospice movement. Sunflowers are thought to represent love, admiration, loyalty, positivity and strength.

Featuring in this years appeal is Lindsay Mason, of Hunmanby, who has shared her story of how Saint Catherines cared for her mum Carol before she passed away in February last year.

Lindsay said: Myself and my family are so thankful and have such gratitude for the services the hospice provides. As a family we certainly didnt ever imagine we would be using their services one day, but were so thankful to have such an amazing facility on our doorstep, serving the community with such care, compassion and dignity through the most difficult of times.

The appeal has been mailed out to regular supporters anyone who has not received a pack and would like to get involved can email fundraising@saintcatherines.org.uk or pick one up at any of the 11 Saint Catherines charity shops.

During the coming weeks, sunflower baubles will be displayed in the charity shop windows, featuring dedications to loved ones, messages of support or a simple thank you to someone special.

There will be a selection of sunflower-themed items for sale, such as limited edition pin badges and metal sunflowers for the garden, for sale online at www.saintcatherines.org.uk/online-shop/ with the garden sunflowers also available in the charity shops.

Susan Stephenson, communications and marketing manager, said: It has been a year like no other and a particularly difficult winter as we have faced the ongoing challenges of COVID-19.

Now as we move into spring, and hopefully towards a brighter future, we would be really grateful if you choose to support this years Sunflower Memories Appeal. On behalf of all of us here at Saint Catherines, thank you so much for your support it is truly appreciated.

To run all of Saint Catherines services it costs around £5.5 million a year, with only a third of the funding available from the NHS. The charity relies on the generosity of the community to ensure it can raise the remainder and continue to provide much-needed care.

You can make a donation directly through this page here. You can also donate over the phone by calling (01723) 378406 or send a cheque, payable to Saint Catherines Hospice Trust, to: Sunflower Memories Appeal, Saint Catherines Hospice, Throxenby Lane, Scarborough, YO12 5RE.

How your support will help make a big difference

By supporting the Sunflower Memories Appeal, you will be helping to ensure that patients and their loved ones can receive the most outstanding care at the time when they need it the most.

For example:

£25 could pay for an in-patients meals and refreshments.

£100 could pay for a community nurse specialist visit.

£500 could pay for one In-Patient Unit bed for one day.