A Nelson man remembering his mum this Mother’s Day is launching this year’s Sunflower Memories Appeal at Pendleside Hospice.

Andi Trickett, 50, lost his mum Edna Fallows at the age of 64 at the hospice in July 2010, and has been fundraising for the organisation ever since.

He has most recently been accessing bereavement support and complementary therapy at Pendleside as he was still struggling with the loss of his mum.

This year’s Sunflower Memories Appeal launches this Sunday and is the perfect opportunity to dedicate a sunflower plaque to a loved one, just like Andi.

All the sunflower plaques will have the name of a loved one handwritten on and be planted in the hospice gardens, creating a colourful display of remembrance ready for the Celebration of Life service on Saturday 1st June.

During Andi’s time with the bereavement support team, he’s been supported by Ken Mitchell, family support councillor at Pendleside.

Andi said: “All the staff, especially Ken, have been very supportive and professional. Anyone who has been bereaved, whether they have previously had a connection to Pendleside or not, should definitely pick up the phone and speak to the team.

“They have helped me a lot and as a lovely touch at the end of my course of sessions, Ken and I released an eco-friendly balloon into the sky in memory of my mum.”

Lisa Pearson, head of income generation at Pendleside Hospice, said: “Andi’s story just showcases the importance of us staying in touch with the families and friends of people who’ve been bereaved after losing someone dear to them, whether they were at the hospice or not.

“The launch of our Sunflower Memories Appeal signifies that summer’s on its way and brings colour to the hospice gardens in time for our Celebration of Life service in June.”

Andi has volunteered at numerous Pendleside events since Edna passed away, including marshalling at the Midnight Walk events and selling car raffle tickets each year.

He also took part in Pendleside’s Little Hospice Heroes event in 2014 with his son Cameron Trickett, who was 12 years old at the time.

To dedicate a sunflower plaque, please phone the fundraising department on 01282 440120 or visit the Pendleside Hospice website: www.­pendleside.­org.­uk