Hospice tree adorned with hundreds of memory ribbons

Greg has dedicated a ribbon to his late wife Penny, who he was married to for 47 years

A man who lost his wife to lung cancer is among those to have dedicated a colourful ribbon in her name as part of a hospice initiative.

Greg, whose late wife Penny received palliative care treatment at Oxford-based Sobel House hospice, said the dedication evoked a "collective" feeling for all who are grateful for the care their loved-ones received.

The Rainbow of Ribbons by Sobel House is showcased in the city's University Parks, where people can dedicate a ribbon to a loved one in support of the charity.

Fundraiser Kayleigh Ballard said this year more than 500 colourful ribbons had transformed an old red oak tree used for the tributes, which is the most they have had since the annual appeal started in 2021.

Ribbons are being added on a weekly basis and anyone is welcome to make a dedication to someone special, whether their loved one was cared for by the hospice or not.

Kayleigh Ballard from Sobell House Hospice (left) said the appeal had grown each year

Suzanne Lewis and her son Zach have dedicated a ribbon in memory of husband and father Mickey Lewis who passed away from lung cancer in 2021.

He played 350 games for Oxford United.

"This year, Zach has decided to dedicate a special Oxford blue ribbon in tribute to his dad - a nod to the many chapters of Mickey's life," Mrs Lewis said.

Greg has supported the hospice since 2016 but this is the first time he has dedicated a ribbon to Penny, who he was married to for 47 years.

"We were students here in the university in the '60s, that's where we met, married in 1970," he remembers.

"It's quite a collective thing to have a ribbon here for all the people that are grateful to Sobell House for everything they've done and so I wanted to be part of it.

"You're not suffering on your own, you're not left on your own to disappear."

The Rainbow of Ribbons is showcased on a red oak tree at Oxford University Parks

Ms Ballard said the appeal had grown each year.

"It's a nice way of remembering people and getting some time together to come with family and friends," she said, adding that every ribbon "tells a story".

"It's normally a personal journey of grief, something that people have had to live through and had to deal with and find their way out of.

"But often, there are stories of hope."

The hospice said this year's appeal had raised £19,047 towards expert palliative care and emotional support to local families.

It said the ribbons would remain in the parks until the end of August, after which the display would be relocated to the hospice.

Ms Ballard said every ribbon "tells a story"