Yellow ribbons help Patricia and Peter to remember loved ones and connect with St Catherine’s

A Preston couple who tie yellow ribbons in St Catherine’s Park each year say it’s a meaningful way to remember loved ones, whilst strengthening their connection with St Catherine’s Hospice.

Patricia and Peter Tuson visit the park in Lostock Hall every summer to make a Yellow Ribbon Dedication. The couple, from Fulwood, also connect with St Catherine’s through other annual remembrance occasions, such as Light up a Life and the Moonlight and Memories Walk.

Patricia said: “We do it for our parents and my auntie and uncle. We don’t have personal experiences of people being cared for through the hospice, but we do feel part of the St Catherine’s community as we take part in year-round events and make dedications, such as the yellow ribbons.

“It’s important to me to remember my family in this special way. Their names are entered into the remembrance book in the hospice chapel as well, which is really lovely. It helps us feel very connected to St Catherine’s.”

She added: “We also like that we’re able to support our local charity because the work which is done here is so important. I worked as a healthcare assistant at the hospice some time ago, and the care given is the best bar none. It’s very personalised and nothing is too much trouble for the doctors, nurses and volunteers.”

Patricia and Peter have been making yellow ribbon dedications for more than 10 years, and have also taken on the Morecambe Bay Walk and have donated furniture to the charity’s shops in the past.

“We like to maintain our association with St Catherine’s in a variety of ways throughout the year, and help however we can,” Peter explained. “The Mill café is a wonderful idea and a great example of how the charity is inviting the community to be part of St Catherine’s, even if people don’t have personal experiences of the care and support provided by the hospice.”

Lorraine Charlesworth, director of community and income for St Catherine’s, said: “At St Catherine’s we understand that people value the opportunity to remember their loved ones and reflect on the meaningful memories they shared together.

“We aim to provide positive opportunities for remembrance, where people not only feel connected with St Catherine’s but also with each other.

“While the ribbons provide a pretty and poignant backdrop over the summer months, St Catherine’s Park is also open to the public all year round for people to visit with friends, family, or alone to reflect.”

Hundreds of yellow ribbons now decorate the grounds of St Catherine’s Park, ready for the charity’s annual Yellow Day Garden Fete this Sunday, 25^th June.

There will be lots of family fun including live music and dancing, garden games, stalls, inflatables, food and more, from 11am until 4pm.

• To make a yellow ribbon dedication, please click here or call 01772 629171.

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