'Incredibly successful' -- Lives charity hails its Forever In Bloom initiative

Forever In Bloom is the brainchild of the lifesaving charity, Lives, whose volunteers provide immediate pre-hospital care for people experiencing medical emergencies.

By donating £30 to Lives, supporters have been able to dedicate a flower in memory of someone who has passed away, often in tragic circumstances.

And each flower has been added to the charity’s poignant Forever In Bloom structure, which is currently on display at the Petwood Hotel on Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa.

The installation, which can be viewed until this coming Sunday (June 7), is made up of hundreds of hand-made metal dahlia flowers, with the beautiful grounds of the hotel providing the perfect, tranquil backdrop for people to take time and reflect.

The money raised will also go towards helping Lives continue their vital work, alongside the NHS, in responding to 999 calls.

Max Imbornone, the marketing and communications manager for Lives, said: “The campaign has been incredibly successful, and it has been truly moving to see so many come together to support Forever In Bloom.

"We know that our volunteers are often there for patients and their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

"The care they provide leaves a lasting impact long after an incident has ended.

"Over the years, we’ve become aware that many families wanted a meaningful way to remember loved ones who had been cared for by Lives volunteers. But until now, there hasn’t been an opportunity to do so.

"We believe this is one of the reasons Forever In Bloom has resonated so strongly with so many people.

"We are very proud to be helping families celebrate, remember and honour their loved ones through such a special and lasting tribute.

"There is still time to be part of Forever In Bloom. Flowers remain available to dedicate, and we would encourage anyone to go along to experience the display and see the impact the campaign is having on families across Lincolnshire.”

At the launch of the floral display, there was a flypast by the RAF, whose representatives were there to dedicate a bespoke flower to the Hameringham-born George ‘Jonny’ Johnson, who the last surviving member of the famous 617 Squadron, better known as The Dambusters, until he died in 2022 at the age of 101.

The Petwood Hotel, which is steeped in history, was the wartime home and officers’ mess for the squadron. Its Squadron Bar still functions as a living museum, with photos, memorabilia and tributes to the brave airmen.

At the heart of the Forever In Bloom initiative is Christine’s Story, which focuses on the daughter of a Lincoln couple who became seriously ill and suffered a fall at the family home on New Year’s Eve in 2023.

They struggled to secure an ambulance, but the police put them in touch with Lives, who sent a volunteer responder straight away.

The responder helped Christine from the floor and ensured she was comfortable and treated with dignity.

She died two weeks later but her parents said: “We will always remember what Lives did for Christine that night.

"We can never truly express how relieved and thankful we were. Christine’s last days were made a little more comfortable for her.”

To show their appreciation, the couple have dedicated one of the many Forever In Bloom flowers at the Petwood Hotel display.