Forget-me-not scheme a 'tribute to loved ones'

The display will be on show in the gardens of the island's hospice in late June

People are being offered the chance to take part in an art display featuring metal forget-me-nots dedicated to the memory of loved ones.

The inaugural art project allows people to purchase one or more of the flowers to be will be displayed in a memory meadow in the Isle of Man Hospice gardens in Strang from 26 to 28 June.

Families will then be able to take their personalised flower, which can feature the name of the person being remembered, home with them.

The hospice's Vanessa Smith said it would allow people to "talk about their grief, reflect, remember a loved one and celebrate life with a lasting tribute".

The island's only hospice facility, the organisation offers end of life care to patients, which cost £6.8m to deliver in 2024.

'Kindness and dignity'

Ms Smith said the flower, chosen "because of its deep meaning of devotion, love, and remembrance", was a "perfect symbol to honour our loved ones", whether or not they spent time at the hospice.

She said the meadow would showcase the "beautiful, dedicated flowers" while "celebrating loved ones, honouring memories and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need hospice support".

She also confirmed the charity hoped to host another display in future with different metal flowers.