A Dublin hospice has introduced a virtual garden in an effort to raise much needed funds.
St Francis' Hospice in Raheny and Blanchardstown has seen over 708 virtual sunflowers planted so far, with €19,623 raised.
Those who donate will receive an image of the sunflower they have grown to share with family and friends.
St Francis' Hospice needs to raise €5.9 million in donations each year to keep providing its services alongside HSE funding of €11.9 million.
Garden designer Diarmuid Gavin is supporting the campaign and said: “This is a beautiful and meaningful way to support the vital care necessary for some of the most vulnerable and precious people within our society.
"Not only are you supporting patients and families, you are reaching out to your friends and family during these difficult times by sending them an image of the sunflower you have grown."
Fintan Fagan, CEO of St. Francis Hospice Group added: “I’m very grateful to have Diarmuid’s support with this innovative project.
"We are the first hospice in Ireland to launch a Virtual Flower Garden and are already developing the garden to include a wide array of flowers for people to share, remember a loved one or dedicate to someone special."
You can donate and find out more about the virtual garden at www.sfh.ie.
