WIRRAL people are being urged to wear a sunflower with pride this month in support of the annual National Hospices Sunflower Appeal.

Throughout June, hospices around the country are organising all kinds of fundraising events and giving away sunflowers in return for a donation.

Wirral is no exception and staff and volunteer support groups at St John's Hospice in Wirral, based next to Clatterbridge Hospital, have arranged a series of events in support of the Sunflower Appeal.

The Sunflower Appeal kicks off locally on Thursday, June 18 with a cheese and wine evening in the gardens at St John's Hospice (7.30pm).

Sunflowers will be available throughout Wirral in shops, churches, pubs and clubs, as well as schools and, of course, at the St John's Hospice shop at Clatterbridge.

On Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20, volunteers will be offering sunflowers in return for a donation at Tesco, Rock Ferry, Asda, Wallasey, Sainsbury's, Prenton, and the Grange Shopping Centre, Birkenhead.

The following week (June 26 and 27), they will be at the Safeway store, West Kirby, and on Saturday, June 27 (one day only) at Sainsbury's, Upton.

Helen Crawford, Fundraising Manager at St John's, said: "St John's, like every other hospice, is dependent upon the generosity and support of the public for their survival, and we urge people to do join in and wear a sunflower with pride."

She added: "Hospice care is about helping a patient to come to terms with death and enhancing the quality of life that is left.

"It is also about caring for families and helping them to cope with a burden that can sometimes seem almost unbearable.

"At St John's Hospice, we are committed to working to ensure that the best possible care is available for the terminally ill and their families in the Hospice, in our Day Hospice and at home.

"One of our priorities is the provision of training for our nurses, doctors, support staff and volunteers who give the loving care that is the hallmark of the Hospice Movement."

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