Firefly Appeal 2022 – Thank You

Following our August 2022 Firefly Appeal, we welcomed our supporters to Winsley for our second annual Firefly celebration evenings. Taking place on Thursday 22 and Saturday 24 September, both events saw a fantastic turn-out, in what was a very special and emotional evening.

Seeing the reaction of so many families as they walked through Firefly Woods was incredibly poignant. Naturally, quite a few tears were shed, but the September dusk was also peppered with plenty of laughter, as memories were shared and stories were told. It was a privilege to witness so many families gathered together to remember loved ones, but also walk in solidarity alongside one another.

Record breaking funds raised 

This is the second year of the Firefly Appeal, and we’re overwhelmed by the response we’ve had. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our supporters, this year’s appeal has raised an incredible £49,000. This is far more than we could have hoped for, so we’d like to say a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who raised awareness of our campaign and who donated.

“I’m flabbergasted. I had no idea that the Fireflies could generate that sort of support.”
Bruce Munro, Fireflies artist

Artist, Bruce Munro’s legacy

Designed by award winning artist Bruce Munro, each Firefly’s light represents the life and soul of a loved one lost. The Firefly is a symbol of their memory, shining on.

Nestled in our beautifully calm grounds here at Dorothy House, Winsley, the Fireflies provide a peaceful place for reflection, giving families a place to visit, to treasure precious memories of their loved ones.

We recently caught up with Bruce, their creator, to share the good news, and you can see his reaction in this video:

Sue’s story

“When I go and sit amongst the Fireflies, I feel Jo’s there with me, her twinkling light beside me.”
Sue, Family Member

As part of this year’s appeal, Sue generously shared her story. She told us about the care that her daughter, Jo, received from us. Additionally, Sue told us about the bereavement care she received following Jo’s death, and how special the Fireflies are to her, providing her with a place to reflect on the precious memories she shared with her daughter.

You can learn more about Sue’s story here.

Fireflies funding vital care

Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful supporters, more people like Sue and her family will continue to receive the care and support they need, helping to bring light to their darkest days.

Although our Firefly campaign has now reached an end – your ongoing donations will continue to help us provide outstanding palliative and end of life care to people at home, in the community or in our Inpatient Unit.

Please donate whatever you can here.

 

To everyone who has donated to this year’s appeal, from all of us at Dorothy House – thank you!