Ashgate Hospice’s poignant remembrance display has arrived at Chatsworth – and the campaign has been a sell-out success with the charity ordering hundreds more butterfly keepsakes for supporters. 

The stunning display at the historical country estate has seen 1,500 handcrafted butterflies planted as part of Ashgate Hospice’s Butterfly Appeal, sponsored by Graysons Solicitors.  

Each butterfly is dedicated in memory of supporters’ loved ones in return for a suggested £25 donation to the charity. 

All 2,000 of the 45cm butterflies, which have been lovingly designed and handcrafted by local sculptor James Sutton, have already been dedicated in memory of loved ones. 

Supporters can still get still get their hands on one, but any additional butterflies ordered will be delivered in mid-July due to the demand and production times. 

Head of Fundraising at Ashgate, Jack Wood, said: “We only unveiled our installation at Chatsworth last week and the response has just been absolutely incredible! 

“We’re so grateful to everyone who has supported our appeal so far, the donations will mean we can be there to provide vital care for the families who need us across North Derbyshire. 

“The campaign is a special way for supporters to mourn, remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones. 

“Don’t worry if you haven’t dedicated your butterfly yet – you can still get your hands on one of the beautiful keepsakes, you just might have to wait a little longer before you receive it.  

“Our display at Chatsworth is so special – if we do say so ourselves; we hope you’ll come along and stroll through the butterflies before it comes to an end next month.” 

Families are being invited to visit the display for free in the grounds of Chatsworth until 12th June. 

After the display ends, those who have donated for a butterfly will be able to collect their butterfly to keep and treasure in their home or garden as an ongoing tribute and memorial to their loved one. 

Amongst those supporting the appeal is Tracie Holocuk, who will be dedicating a butterfly in memory of her “fun, intelligent and caring” daughter, Kimberley Trickett. 

After doctors told Kimberley she had an aggressive inoperable brain tumor, she spent the last five-and-a-half weeks of her life being cared for at Ashgate’s Inpatient Unit. 

She died peacefully at the hospice in July 2009, aged 20. 

Tracie, 57, from Chesterfield, said: “I once said to Kim in the hospice ‘what are you going to come back as then?’ She replied: ‘Don’t ask daft questions, a butterfly of course!’ added Tracie. 

“All our family and friends truly believe that whenever we see a butterfly it’s Kim popping by to say hello and it’s a reminder to be positive and grateful to be alive.  

“She was always my beautiful butterfly, so when the hospice told me they were holding a Butterfly Appeal it was just meant to be.  

“I hope other families will join me in dedicating a beautiful butterfly keepsake in memory of their loved ones, so the hospice can be there to help people like my Kim in years to come.” 

The suggested donation for a butterfly is £25 and the money raised will be used to fund the hospice’s round-the-clock specialist end of life care.   

To dedicate a butterfly click the button below or call the fundraising team on 01246 567250.