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Butterflies memorial set up for hospice patients

Leanne Rinne
BBC News, South East
Reporting fromTunbridge Wells
Hospice of Weald A woman in a purple jumper is holding a large steel butterfly.Hospice of Weald
More than 450 steel butterflies are featured in the Meadow of Memories at Scotney Castle
Hsin-Yi Lo
BBC News, South East

A special remembrance space has been created at a National Trust castle for families to reflect and loved ones who received hospice care.

Hospice in the Weald teamed up with Scotney Castle near Lamberhurst in Kent to install the Meadow of Memories which features more than 450 handcrafted steel butterflies dedicated to patients.

Laura Edwards from Kent, whose father Terry was cared for at the Tunbridge Wells-based Hospice in the Weald, said: "I know first-hand what families go through during one of the darkest times of their life.

"Being able to come to the garden and see the butterfly that I've dedicated for my dad has been really special."

Leanne Rinne/BBC A display of steel butterflies installed at Scotney Castle grounds.Leanne Rinne/BBC
The installation aims to patients who received care at Hospice of Weald

More than 400 ers have purchased a butterfly and so far more than £29,000 has been raised for the hospice.

Ms Edwards added: "The care the hospice's team gave to my dad, and our whole family, was nothing short of phenomenal.

"We have dedicated a butterfly in memory of my dad, and I am so proud to be involved with this initiative."

Leanne Rinne/BBC A man in a black t-shirt and jeans is playing a guitar. There is also a wall of guitars behind him. Leanne Rinne/BBC
Laura Edwards said her father, Terry, and her family received 'phenomenal' from the hospice

Katie Greywood, director of income generation at Hospice in the Weald, said the hospice was "honoured" to launch the remembrance display.

"As a cherished local landmark, Scotney Castle offers the perfect setting to pause, , and find comfort in shared tribute," she said.

"As a powerful symbol of change and renewal, the butterfly sculptures have resonated with our dedicated ers whose loved ones were cared for by the hospice."

The Meadows of Memories will be at the castle until 26 May. On the same day, ers who have dedicated a butterfly will attend a special remembrance ceremony.

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