Remember loved ones this Spring with local children's hospice's 'Forever Butterfly'

This spring, Julia’s House, is launching a special way for people to remember their loved ones with a Forever Butterfly ironwork that will have been part of a display at Bowood House.

The local children’s hospice charity, Julia's House, will be allowing individuals to purchase ironworks butterflies that they can keep, in memory of someone close that is no longer with them. 

The Forever Butterfly, made by Unbearable Design Ltd in Weymouth, is handmade and finished in waterproof sky-blue lacquer.

A spokesperson added: "Placed somewhere meaningful for you, it will create an everlasting reminder and touching tribute to someone you’ve loved and lost."

Before all the butterflies land in their forever homes, they will be featured in a butterfly garden display at Bowood House & Gardens, Wiltshire from 5-8 April,and Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester from 12-15 April, helping to mark the Julia’s House 20^th anniversary year.

Diana Lawrence, whose family have been supported by Julia's House, said: “I will be buying my Forever Butterfly in memory of my sister, Gabrielle and mum, Maria. Having a butterfly in my garden is a lovely way of thinking of them being free.”

Gabrielle (Gabby) had a rare brain condition which meant one side of her brain was stronger than the other.  Her condition led to scoliosis of the spine, epilepsy and learning difficulties, and she stopped being able to swallow. Gabby died when she was just 15 years old.  

Diana added: “We couldn’t have wished for a better place to be with Gabby in her final days than Julia’s House - a place where she came and played when she was alive. Sadly, after being at a remembering day for Gabby at the hospice, my mum died suddenly. 

"It was such a shock. Even after Gabby and then my mum’s funeral, the support from Julia’s House never stopped for our family – they are always at the end of the telephone, especially on the harder days like the anniversaries. It’s a real comfort to know they will continue to be there for me.”

To buy a Forever Butterfly like Diana’s, in memory of someone special and to be a part of the extraordinary Forever Butterflies garden display, individuals can visit: www.juliashouse.org/foreverbutterflies 

Those interested in a butterfly can also email [email protected] or call the charity's head office on: 01202 644220

For Annabel Karmel, Julia’s House patron, the Forever Butterflies are said to be special too.

Annabel said: “Julia’s House is a charity close to my heart because of losing my daughter, Natasha. Losing a child is the worst thing that can ever happen to a mother. 

"I always think what you do for others lives on and what you do for yourself dies with you. And the work we all do with Julia’s House will live on through many generations of families. Forever Butterflies will help that work to continue and I will proudly be displaying my butterfly in memory of Natasha.”

The Forever Butterfly costs £35 and every purchase is said to be a way for someone loved and lost to leave a lasting tribute of care in the community.

Every Forever Butterfly bought in someone’s memory will make a life-changing difference to local seriously ill children and their families, including bereaved families just like Diana’s. 

The Forever Butterflies have been sponsored by local businesses Clinical Partners (Wiltshire) and Gallagher Insurance, Risk Management and Consulting (Dorset).