Sobell House Hospice’s Rainbow of Ribbons

Last weekend saw an ancient red oak tree in Oxford’s University Parks transformed into a rainbow of colourful ribbons fluttering in the summer breeze in memory of loved ones.

Local hospice Sobell House has been asking those that have lost loved ones to remember them and celebrate their life by dedicating a ribbon and making a donation to the wonderful care they provide. Hundreds of ribbons have been dedicated to form the Rainbow of Ribbons display, which will remain in the University Parks until Tuesday 30 August. After this, the display will be moved to Sobell House’s reception for one month, during which time people can collect their ribbon if they wish to keep as a treasured memory. So far Sobell House has raised over £12,700 through the Rainbow of Ribbons celebration, which is enough to pay for 21 days of care for a patient on their specialist in-patient unit. If they could raise another £5,400, these vital funds could cover the cost of care for a patient for the whole of September.

Beth Marsh, Director of Fundraising at Sobell House, says: “The Rainbow of Ribbons display is a magnificent and emotional sight to behold. Being part of the installation of this display was an honour, seeing the names of so many loved ones no longer with us – I would like to urge people to visit and add to the stunning piece of art”.

One of the families that have contributed towards the glorious Rainbow of Ribbons is the Beach family, who wished to remember their beloved husband, father and grandfather, Brian.

The Rainbow of Ribbons display is located within the park along West Walk, between North Lodge and Keble Gates, and will move to Sobell House’s reception on Tuesday 30 August. The team at the Hospice will continue to regularly add colourful ribbons to the display at the Parks and in the Hospice. To add a ribbon is simple – just go to sobellhospice.org/ribbons or call the Charity team on 01865 857007 to make your pledge and your ribbon will soon feature on this beautiful piece of art.

Every year, Sobell House Hospice Charity needs to raise around £2 million towards the running of the hospice. Sobell House has been providing palliative and end of life care to people with a life-limiting illness since 1976. It also, crucially, supports them and their families at an emotionally devastating time.