The St Barnabas Hospice dragonfly display at Doddington Hall & Gardens has been a huge hit, with tickets for the first weekend selling out on the launch day! Over the next couple of weeks, supporters of the Hospice will travel from across Lincolnshire and beyond to see the dragonflies they dedicated in memory of their loved ones.
One of these supporters is Sue Brown who visited the display this afternoon, exactly one year on from the death of her husband, Tony. 
Sue said, “It felt very emotional being able to mark the occasion in such a special way, and a way that would have made Tony proud. When Tony was in the Hospice, the nurses would often taken his bed out onto the patio for some fresh air. It was blissful just being able to sit with him there, holding hands and looking at the garden.
“One day in the Hospice garden, Tony pointed out a blue dragonfly which was flying around. It landed just in front of us on the railing and we shared a smile, watching it until it flew away. Tony was a great nature lover and particularly enjoyed watching dragonflies dance around in the sky.
“When I saw the dragonfly appeal, I just knew I had to dedicate one for Tony so the special moment at the Hospice will stay with me forever. I know these dragonflies will mean the world to families across Lincolnshire, just as Tony’s dragonfly will mean the world to me.
“Tony was being cared for by St Barnabas Hospice after discovering he had cancer for a second time. It was soft tissue sarcoma with deposits in his lungs, which also fractured his hip. He died age 64 and I will never forget the incredible care given to us both by all the staff we came into contact with. The Hospice was just like home and the compassion shown was amazing. The nurses became our friends and I am so grateful for everything they did to support us. 
“When I bring Tony’s dragonfly home, it will go in a very special place in my garden where I can sit and remember him. I will think about the lovable, funny, kind man that I married and know that he is out there somewhere thinking about me.
“Tony’s dragonfly will watch over our garden, just as he did when he was alive. I can’t thank St Barnabas enough for their incredible care and for thinking of such a lovely way for families to remember loved ones.”