MORE than £15,000 has been raised for a hospice via a new, colourful summer appeal.

The Thames Hospice Sunflower Memories Appeal was designed to allow supporters of the Windsor and Ascot-based charity the chance to remember a loved one by donating towards a dedicated sunflower paddle and attend a special remembrance service held in the Hospice gardens in Hatch Lane, Windsor.

Campaign packs were mailed to more than 4,000 supporters and more than 250 people turned out to see their sunflowers at the service on Sunday, September 13.

Neil Harman, director of fundraising, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this new way for our community to be able to celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

Furthermore, "It was wonderful for staff to see patients and their families again and we cannot thank those who joined the appeal enough for their ongoing support.”

After the service – which included readings and afternoon tea – supporters could take home their personalised sunflower paddles, or choose to leave them on display in the hospice garden.

All funds raised via the Sunflower Memories Appeal will go towards the hospice’s work - for example, £13,680 pays for a day of care for the 17 patients staying at the Thames Hospice Inpatient Unit.