A STUNNING new display of 1,000 Forget Me Not iron flowers have been planted at Chester Cathedral as part of a Hospice of the Good Shepherd appeal.

Cllr Mark Williams, Lord Mayor of Chester, dedicated two of the specially designed Forget Me Not flowers in memory of his mother and mother-in-law at the launch of the hospice's appeal at Chester Cathedral last week.

He helped plant the 1,000 iron flowers made as keepsakes for those who have made a dedication to a loved one.

The flowers are part of the hospice's appeal celebrating the wonderful work the hospice has given over the past 30 years and are displayed on the South Cathedral Green.

Cllr Williams said: “It’s a brilliant idea and I have dedicated two flowers in memory of both mine and my wife’s mothers to support the amazing work the hospice does in our community and to

honour their memory.”

Justin Caroe, community fundraiser at the hospice, said: “The response we have received to our Forget Me Not Appeal has been amazing, we are delighted that so many people want to purchase

these flowers and we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has dedicated a flower so far.

“Anyone can purchase a flower; you don’t have to have experienced care at the hospice first hand, this is a lovely way to remember anyone who is special to you and after the display has ended you will receive the flower as a keepsake which the hospice will post out to you.”

The display was blessed by the Dean of Chester the Very Revd Dr Tim Stratford.

Rev Stratford said: “It is really lovely that these flowers are on display here at the cathedral and especially so close to our Garden of Remembrance, both the hospice and the cathedral are at the heart of the Chester community and it is great to be forging stronger links. This is so important to everyone.”

The hospice commissioned the handcrafted and unique iron Forget Me Not flowers from the talented team at British Iron works and they will be on display at Chester Cathedral until Sunday, July 28. Flowers can be purchased for £30 from the hospice website, by phoning the fundraising department on 01244 851811 or by collecting a leaflet from the cathedral.

Mr Caroe added: “The task of planting the 1,000 Forget Me Not flowers at the cathedral was a daunting one; however we are so grateful to the dedicated team of volunteers from Lloyds Banking

Group who spent the afternoon with us and helped us create this wonderful installation.”

Now 30 years old, the hospice has an annual running cost of £4.2 million where less than 25 per cent comes from government funding. The remaining income is generated through fundraising, donations, events and corporate partnerships.