Rainbow of ribbons remembers loved ones

Hannah Murphy, Wendy Hipwell, Sarah Johnson, Diana Sunderland and Kimberley Taylor, at Overgate Hospice Rainbow of Ribbons, Hullenedge, Elland

Last Sunday saw Overgate Hospice, Elland hold its annual Rainbow of Ribbons appeal that allowed families and friends to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones.

The appeal looks to create a Rainbow of Ribbons by asking people to dedicate a ribbon to those that have added colour to their lives in both the past and present.

The ribbons are then used to decorate the gardens which were opened for viewing.

Chris Richards , an Overgate Volunteer from Halifax, said: “I love the Rainbow of Ribbons event as it brings the gardens alive with colour and provides a peaceful place where families and friends can get together.”

The event has been extremely successful in the past, raising upwards of £10,000 and ribbons can still be dedicated by visiting the hospice’s website.

The ribbons themselves are donated by local businesses and there is no minimum donation for each dedication.

Overgate’s Community Fundraiser, Lauren Barber, said: “Our Rainbow of Ribbons open day is always such a beautiful occasion and I would like to thank all who provided their support for making the day so memorable.”

There was also a dedicated church service at St Mary’s, Todmorden followed by their own open garden displaying ribbons with refreshments and stalls.

Alongside the garden displays, dedications are documented in two Rainbow of Ribbons books; one of which is displayed at the hospice and the other at St Mary’s Church.

The ribbons will be on display in the garden until the end of August and the hospice invites all who missed the open day to view them at any time.