The event, held in collaboration with Interflora, unfolded at Manchester Central, showcasing over 75,000 exquisite stems sourced from the renowned Interflora World Cup, hosted at the venue in the preceding days.
Blossoms Galore: A Floral Extravaganza
The flower extravaganza featured a diverse range of floral offerings, from breathtaking occasion bouquets that had graced the Interflora World Cup competition to smaller floral arrangements and even individual stems for those seeking a unique ‘pick n’ mix’ experience.
Visitors flocked to the event in their hundreds, making it a resounding success.
Community Spirit in Full Bloom
This remarkable event was made possible through the tireless efforts of hospice volunteers who donned the hat of flower sellers for the day, proudly representing St. Ann’s Hospice.
Manchester Central staff also joined hands in support of this charitable cause.
World Champion’s Heartfelt Contribution
Adding to the blossoming goodwill, former world champion Bart Hassam generously donated four exquisite floral arrangements to the charity.
These arrangements now adorn the hospice, bringing joy to patients, their families, and dedicated staff members.
A Pledge to the Future
Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive at St. Ann’s Hospice, expressed gratitude, stating, “We’d like to thank Interflora for their generous stem donations and for enabling us to host the city’s most significant flower sale, in partnership with our esteemed corporate ally, Manchester Central.”
She continued, “We have been overwhelmed by the funds raised for our ‘Build it Together’ appeal, aimed at constructing our urgently needed new hospice in Heald Green. This endeavor is vital to ensure the continued availability of hospice care for people across Greater Manchester.”
CEO of Manchester Central, Shaun Hinds, echoed this sentiment, saying, “After hosting the awe-inspiring Interflora World Cup at Manchester Central from Thursday to Saturday, we are delighted to extend our support to the flower sale for St. Ann’s Hospice, our chosen charity for 2023.”
Hinds added, “We believe this sale to be Manchester’s largest flower sale ever, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed their time and resources to make this event a resounding success in aid of such a noble cause.”
A Beacon of Compassion: St. Ann’s Hospice
St. Ann’s Hospice has been providing holistic care to patients with life-limiting illnesses through a range of services, including inpatient care, day therapy, and outpatient support.
It was founded in 1971 and has since become one of the leading providers of hospice care in the Greater Manchester area.
Over the years, it has expanded its services and facilities to meet the growing demand for compassionate end-of-life care.
The mission of St. Ann’s Hospice is to improve the quality of life for people with life-limiting illnesses by providing expert care, support, and comfort. T
heir approach is holistic, focusing not only on medical needs but also on the emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of patients and their families.
Additionally, the hospice offers various community and outreach services and operates a 24-hour telephone advice line for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals across Salford, Manchester, Trafford, and Stockport.
St. Ann’s Hospice is deeply rooted in the local community, and its services have a profound impact on the lives of patients and their families. It is known for its commitment to providing not only physical care but also emotional and spiritual support during difficult times.
A Vision for the Future
The charity has set an ambitious goal of raising £2 million this year to construct a new hospice adjacent to its current 150-year-old facility, a testament to its unwavering commitment to offering compassionate care and support to the community.
The Manchester flower sale not only celebrated the beauty of nature but also showcased the power of community and compassion.
With funds raised, St. Ann’s Hospice takes a significant step toward its mission of enhancing hospice care accessibility for all in Greater Manchester, ensuring a brighter, more vibrant future for those in need.
If you would like to donate to this incredible cause, you can do so by clicking here.