Hospice's art installation for lost loved ones

A hospice is inviting people who have lost loved ones to dedicate butterfly ornaments to form a "Meadow of Memories" in the grounds of a stately home.

The installation, raising funds for Rotherham Hospice, will feature at Wentworth Woodhouse from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19 July.

Susan Hodgson has dedicated a butterfly to her late husband Darren, with whom she used to walk through the grounds.

"It's just such a beautiful way to be able to honour Darren's memory," she said.

She added: "We've had a lot of support from Rotherham Hospice, not only during his cancer journey that went on for 18 months, but also they've supported me endlessly since he passed away last year.

"So I'll be forever indebted to all the care and support that we've had from Rotherham Hospice."

The butterflies are made from curt steel, the same material as the Angel of the North at Gateshead.

They have been handcrafted by apprentices at MTL Advanced, a manufacturing company based in Rotherham.

Debbie Coulson, director of income generation at the hospice, said there was an increased need for end-of-life care in the region because the number of people living longer with illnesses is increasing considerably.

"We know that the ageing population means people are living for longer, so that means that our care demand will be higher," she said.

"We estimate that we're going to have to grow by about 50% as a hospice and to be able to keep up with the needs."

Coulson described the installation as a "moving" dedication to loved ones.

"They know that there's other people that feel the same as them and have gone through similar experiences.

"It's a real coming together that helps them, but also supports the hospice at the same time."

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