NINE hundred handcrafted forget-me-not sculptures will bloom brightly in the gardens of St Andrew’s Spire in Worcester this August thanks to the craftsmanship of a Vale metalwork artist.
The moving display will form the annual St Richard’s Hospice celebration garden to help fund the free care it provides to more than 3,000 people across Worcestershire each year.
Each unique forget-me-not is made by Ed Alvis, of Metal Art UK, who fashions recycled steel into beautiful sculptures at his workshop at Dumbleton.
Ed is supporting the St Richard’s Celebration Garden for a sixth year, having previously created bees, butterflies, sunflowers, snowdrops and tulips for the hospice’s care.
Having encountered St Richard’s care first hand when the hospice at home team looked after his late father, Ed is generously providing the hospice with his sculptures at cost price.
“It’s such a good cause and I have seen how important it is. I didn’t really have to think about offering my support,” said Ed, a former mechanical engineer who wanted to find a career where he could express his creativity.
Each year after agreeing a theme with the hospice, Ed starts making the flowers in May. Fitting them in among his other projects, on a good day he can make up to 100 metal blooms.
St Richard’s campaigns fundraiser, Laura Clarke, added: “Our 2026 celebration garden will once again create a memorable focal point for celebration and reflection in the heart of Worcester.
“Associated with enduring love, forget-me-nots reflect how many of those touched by our care feel about their loved ones; they’re gone but never forgotten.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who will make one of these beautiful sculptures their own, helping us be there for people across Worcestershire when they need us most.”
People are being encouraged to celebrate a loved one by purchasing a flower in the garden, which can be later taken home as a keepsake or a gift.
They will be on display from Friday, 14 August until Monday, 31 August.
Visit: strichards.org.uk/celebration-garden/ or call 01905 763963 to buy a flower at the suggested minimum donation of £32.
St Richard’s Hospice is an independent charity offering free, expert care for adults with an illness that cannot be cured, and support for their loved ones and carers.
Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,000 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
It will cost in the region of £12m to run the hospice this year, which includes patient care and all the necessary support services.
