Chatsworth will play host to a hospice’s poignant remembrance installation featuring thousands of steel dragonflies when it opens to the public today (1 May).

The installation will open to the public on Thursday 1 May as part of Ashgate Hospice’s Dragonfly Appeal, which invites supporters to dedicate a dragonfly in memory of someone special in return for a suggested donation of £30.

Families are being invited to visit the display for free in the grounds of Chatsworth until Thursday 22 May.

A total of 2,500 dragonflies have been lovingly designed and handcrafted by local sculptor James Sutton. The appeal is generously sponsored by Graysons Solicitors, whose support has helped make the campaign possible.

Charlotte Butterworth, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said the campaign was a special way for supporters to remember and celebrate the lives of people close to them.

She said: “We can’t wait to unveil our Dragonfly Appeal installation – and what better place for it than Chatsworth?

“Each dragonfly is not only beautiful, but deeply meaningful. Every one has been dedicated in memory of someone loved and missed, and together they’ll create a breathtaking and emotional tribute.

“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 families across North Derbyshire.

“We do have a very limited number of dragonflies left, so I’d encourage anyone thinking of dedicating one to do so before it’s too late.”

After the display ends, those who have made a donation for a dragonfly will be able to collect theirs to keep and treasure in their home or garden as an ongoing tribute and memorial.

Amongst those supporting the appeal is 81-year-old Barry Hancock, whose wife of more than 50 years received “loving” end of life care at Ashgate Hospice.

Soulmates Barry and Sue Hancock, from Brimington, near Chesterfield, met on a blind date in 1968 – six weeks later they were engaged.

Sue was diagnosed with terminal heart failure before she died at Ashgate Hospice’s Inpatient Unit on 25 August 2023, aged 77.

Barry, alongside his daughter Clare, is supporting the Dragonfly Appeal in Sue’s memory.

Clare, 50, who now volunteers on the Inpatient Unit where Sue was cared for, said: “Mum absolutely loved visiting Chatsworth, so she’d be astounded to know her name is associated with the Dragonfly Appeal.

“We will be forever grateful for what the hospice did for us and want to do everything we can do to ensure Ashgate can be there for families in the future.

“I hope other families will consider joining us in remembering someone special with a beautiful dragonfly keepsake, ensuring that the hospice can continue to support people like my mum for years to come.”

Barry added: “Being at the hospice felt like home. It was so serene and calm.

“One of Sue’s favourite moments was being wheeled out to the hospice garden. Her face lit up and it brightened.

“I couldn’t speak more highly of our experience.”

Ashgate Hospice faces growing financial challenges. Only 31% of its funding comes from the NHS, leaving a £11 million shortfall to be met through fundraising and donations.

The hospice is inviting supporters to dedicate a dragonfly in memory of someone special. The stainless steel, handcrafted dragonfly is available for a suggested donation of £30 each.

Once the display ends, supporters of the campaign can collect their dragonfly from Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield between 29 to 31 May where there will be an onsite engraving option Alternatively, dragonflies can be posted to donors.

To dedicate a dragonfly, go to the hospice’s website or call Ashgate Hospice’s fundraising team on 01246 567 250.

Thank you to Tom Hodgson for his support with photography on the launch day.