Birmingham family inspired to support charity art installation

A charity art installation set to make Brindleyplace awash with colour is inspiring Birmingham families to donate as they remember loved ones lost.

A local family who were supported by Birmingham’s St Mary’s Hospice in 2016 after losing their father and husband to cancer, have paid tribute to the dedication of the nurses by donating to the charity’s art installation in Birmingham’s Brindleyplace.

The charity’s installation, a field of 1,500 forget-me-not wrought-iron flowers, will be on display in Brindleyplace from 24 April – 1 May; people can dedicate a flower as a tribute to their special someone for a donation of their choice. After the display, the flowers can be kept as a lasting keepsake.

Several Birmingham families have already donated, to remember loved ones. Dipak Shah’s family is one of those families.

Dipak passed away in 2016, following his year-long battle with oesophageal cancer. The family received on-going  inclusive care and support through the hospice during the difficult time.

The services provided by the hospice made such an impression on Dipak’s wife Bindiya and his children, Shivani and Vivek, that they have chosen to commemorate his life by planting one of the final flowers in the 1,500 strong colourful wrought-iron display.

His son, Vivek, said: “Dad always gave back to the community and we’ve been wanting to do something in memory of him. Birmingham St Mary’s did so much for us and this is our way of giving back so that they can continue to help others.”

The inclusive care that the family received was invaluable to them. Vivek said: “During the final stages, we were grateful for the effort the nurses made to keep the whole family informed, particularly grandma and grandad who struggled with the language barrier.”

Bindiya said:“For me, it was the extra support the charity provided whenever we needed it, which helped me get through each day. The people who work at Birmingham St Mary’s have that personal connection, so you don’t feel as though you’re just another number.

“Even now, they’re still in touch and were there to help us after the bereavement. It’s an on-going process and there was no sudden stop in the support.”

Helen O’Halloran, Director of Nursing, said: “The Forget Me Not appeal is about the city coming together to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones lost.

We are so pleased that the Shah family  have chosen to support the Forget me Not appeal and plant one of the final flowers in this stunning display.  Every kind donation of a flower will help fund our work providing vital care and support to local families living with terminal illness.

“We hope the installation launch will inspire others, like the Shah family, to come along to support the appeal.”

The launch of the Forget me Not display will take place from 12.00pm-2.00pm and is open to all.