A charity which offers palliative and end-of-life care is giving away free sunflower seeds as a way for people to remember loved ones year after year.

ellenor hospice in Northfleet is encouraging people to take part in the Sunflower Challenge as a way to celebrate life and get people talking.

Andrew Lowden, ellenor’s operational lead wellbeing, said: “The ellenor ethos is all about living well, connecting with your friends and family, your hobbies, your environment.

"This includes finding solace in nature. The challenge is a wonderful initiative, and one which means that remembering our loved ones doesn’t need to be limited to one particular day."

The idea is for people to plant a sunflower seed and watch it grow, then collect the seeds to grow again and again.

Andrew added: "We hope our community take this opportunity to acknowledge that whilst we are returning to normal, it’s important to remember those who we have lost, and those whose lives will never be ‘normal’ again.

"I particularly like the use of a sunflower as it is such a striking plant that it will easily be noticed, which will spark conversation and encourage people to talk about the person who is no longer with them, reminisce, and share memories.”

If you would like to remember and honour someone who has died under ellenor’s care, visit togethertv.com/together-good-sunflower-challenge-2021 to register for your seeds.

Stock is limited so register your interest as soon as possible.

The hospice holds a bereavement group on the last Sunday of each month. Contact the hospice for more.

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