Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Ceramic blossoms brighten up hospital view
The view just got a little brighter for cancer patients at Blenheim’s Wairau Hospital.
Bright yellow pottery daffodils, created by children across the region, have added a sense of cheer to the view outside.
The splash of colour is the result of a kind-hearted donation of $4000 to Cancer Society Marlborough from Fisher and Paykel.
All they asked was that some of the daffodils created in a special project last year be used to make the courtyard more appealing.
The daffodils were part of a joint fundraiser by Cancer Society Marlborough and the Marlborough Community Potters, overseen by artist Fran Maguire.
Pupils at 36 Marlborough schools decorated the daffodils by hand and about 3500 ceramic daffodils were then installed along the Taylor River in Blenheim.
Cancer Society spokeswoman Anna Small says the donation came after many of the daffodils along the river bank were destroyed.
Following publicity, the appliance manufacturing com- pany stepped in to help.
‘‘They wanted to purchase the remaining daffodils and help spread some happiness.
‘‘We were also given money to buy daffodil bulbs which we have planted with the help of Marlborough District Council.
‘‘Some of these have been planted in our memorial garden next to the Taylor River,’’ she says.
The daffodils were put in the courtyard by friends of a woman who recently died following a battle with cancer.
Anna says the view from the oncology ward looks much better.
‘‘It just looks happier now. This is to celebrate anyone who is on their cancer journey and to remember those who have [been
Bright yellow pottery daffodils, created by children across the region, have added a sense of cheer to the view outside.
through it],’’ she says.
The Cancer Society provides support and information services for people affected by cancer across the Marlborough region.
The office in The Forum Building, Market Place in Blenheim is open to anyone who requires support and information about cancer.
Opening hours are from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
For further information contact 03 579 4379 or visit the Cancer Society’s page on Facebook.