THE MYTON Hospice is inviting people to remember their loved ones in a special way this summer with a unique art installation at Coughton Court.
The National Trust-owned property near Alcester will see more than 1,000 locally-crafted, red, metal butterflies displayed in its grounds from July 26 until August 11.
Each bug in the Butterfly Effect will represent a loved one and, in return for a donation, people will be able to take it home when the display finishes.
Tom Cronin is supporting the fundraising campaign along with his two children in memory of wife Katie who died from cervical cancer in June 2023 at the age of 37.
Katie first discovered a lump in early 2022 and was given a cancer diagnosis in February 2022.
Having undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Katie was told in the September her cervix looked clear but a spot had appeared on her lung.
In January 2023, scans revealed the spot was not only cancerous but had spread rapidly.
The family were told her condition was terminal and to start to prepare for an unavoidable future without her.
She was cared for by the team Warwick Myton Hospice in April 2023.
Tom said: “It’s very difficult to put into words but our experience was unbelievable.
“The consistency of the care and how well both Katie and our family were treated was impressive.
“Of course the excellent care we received is the main factor, but the little things meant so much more to us.
“We had takeaway nights, parties and friends and family were surrounding us constantly.
“It felt like nothing was too hard or inconvenient.
“In these situations, nothing you can do can ever make it better and the best outcome is to never need Myton.
“But it truly was the best place to be for everyone, and I can’t imagine anywhere else doing a better job.
“The incredible doctors, nurses, volunteers and everyone involved took some of the pressure off.”
Myton is hoping the campaign raises £75,000 to fund the recruitment, training and salary of a registered nurse for 18 months.
Visit mytonhospice.org/butterfly for more information and to make a donation.
