Coughton Court: The Myton Hospices Butterfly Effect event

The Myton Hospices Butterfly Effect will see more than 1,000 locally crafted red, metal butterflies displayed in the grounds of Coughton Court in Alcester. 

Each butterfly will represent a loved one and Myton is inviting people to make a dedication and donation in return for their own butterfly that can be taken home.

The event will take place from Friday, July 26 until Sunday, August 11 and is set to be a poignant way to remember loved ones who are no longer with us. 

Tom Cronin is supporting the campaign alongside his two children, Percy and Cass, in memory of his wife Katie who was cared for at Warwick Myton Hospice in April 2023. 

Mr Cronin said: "It is very difficult to put into words but our experience was unbelievable. The consistency of the care and how well both Katie and our family were treated was impressive. 

"Of course, the excellent care we received is the main factor of hospice care, but the little things meant so much more to us.

"It felt like nothing was too hard or inconvenient. We had takeaway nights and parties and friends and family were surrounding us constantly.

"We never felt like we had to ask for anything, it was almost encouraged for us to do these things as nothing was too difficult."

Each butterfly represents a lost loved one (Image: The Myton Hospices)

Mr Cronin's wife Katie first discovered a lump in early 2022 and was given her cervical cancer diagnosis in February 2022. 

Having undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Katie was told in September her cervix looked clear but a spot had appeared on her lung which was put down to an infection. 

In January 2023, scans revealed the spot was cancerous and had spread rapidly. The family were told the cancer was terminal and to start to prepare for the future.

Katie died on June 17, 2023, aged just 37 years old. 

Mr Cronin, Cass and Percy are supporting The Butterfly Effect in memory of their beloved wife and mum. 

Mr Cronin added: "In these situations, and the one we found ourselves in, nothing you can do can ever make it better and the best outcome is to never need Myton. But Myton truly is the best place to be for everyone and I can’t imagine anywhere else doing a better job.

"The incredible doctors, nurses, volunteers and everyone involved took some of the pressure off. For them, this is their day-to-day life - we only play a small part in their jobs.

"But to us, they underestimate the importance and significance they have on everyone who walks through the doors. The impact they had on me, my sons and the rest of our family is a legacy I’ll carry with me forever."

The Myton Hospices charity is hoping to raise £75,000 from this campaign to fund the recruitment, training and salary of a registered nurse for 18 months. 

To find out more and to buy a butterfly visit www.mytonhospice.org/Butterfly