Children’s Bereavement Centre launch 2024 Daisy Campaign in Newark

White daisies are set to pop up across town — as part of an eye-catching way to remember children who have died.

Newark-based charity The Children’s Bereavement Centre is once again running the Daisy Appeal, encouraging people to remember and celebrate the lives of lost loved ones together.

It will also help raise vital funds for the centre’s work providing support free of charge to young people and their families through the loss or terminal illness diagnosis of someone they love.

Funds raised through this year’s Daisy Appeal will support the charity’s vision to ensure all bereaved children and young people receive the right kind of help and guidance they need at one of the most devastating times of their lives.

“By supporting this appeal, your kindness will help us ensure we can be there to support families when they need us most,” said Kate Baxter, chief executive of the charity.

Donations can be made either for a wooden handmade daisy, or a daisy pin badge — for sale at retailers in Newark town centre.

The wooden daisies are individually made and painted by hand by Men in Sheds in Collingham, a group which first started in Australia to combat loneliness and isolation within men.

Hundreds of daisies will also be on display in the Meadow of Memories exhibit. It will be open 10.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday, June 29, in the grounds of Newark Castle.

The beautiful wooden daisies can be personalised to make them even more special and individual — with a photo, drawing, message or even a poem able to be added or attached.

Dez Williams, from Men in Sheds, said: “The shed at Collingham was delighted to be asked to make 200 daisies for the Children’s Bereavement Centre, many members have turned their hand in the making of the flowers for such a worthwhile cause.

“The Shed wishes the Children’s Bereavement Centre every success on its fundraising day and look forward to attending to see the daisies on display with the many memories written on the stem.”

The Meadow of Memories is a special event enabling families to sit for a moment of quiet reflection, remembrance and, for some, the chance to say goodbye. Donating in memory of a loved one who has passed away can be a wonderful way to honour their life and make a difference to a cause they held close.

On the day there will be therapeutic activities suitable for both children and adults — with bereavement counsellors and support workers available to talk to. There will also be arts and crafts activities and a memory wall for messages and wishes to lost loved ones.

Claire Spindley, who donated for a daisy last year in memory of her son, said: “We’ve donated for a daisy in memory of our son, Austin. We support the Daisy Appeal every year as we know first-hand the difference that the services the bereavement centre offer to local children and their families.

“The Meadow of Memories exhibit at Newark Castle is a very moving tribute and our family is looking forward to coming along again, to take the chance to reflect and remember Austin.”

After the event, the daisies can be collected to be kept at home, placed in a garden, or given to someone as a gift.

The Daisy Appeal is open to everyone, you don’t need to have received support from the charity to get involved. Anyone who has lost someone can donate for a daisy and visit the exhibit.

Look out for white daisies as Newark gets involved with decorating the town centre on the lead up to the event.