A POPULAR sunflower field in Wythall is opening to the public this summer to brighten the lives of youngsters who are struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one.
Becketts Farm opens its three-acre sunflower field and wildflower meadow every year between late July and August for free.
This year the farm is asking visitors for a voluntary donation to Touchstones Child Bereavement Support.
The charity provides one-to-one support for those aged between five and 21 in north east Worcestershire who have lost a loved one.
Any funds raised from donations this summer will go towards funding the charity’s Memory Days, which include activities such as zip wiring, go karting and artwork, before ending with candle time to reflect on their lost loved one.
Vicki Quarton set up Touchstones Child Bereavement Support in 2011, which helps around 100 young people a year.
She said: “Grieving a loved one is difficult for everybody, but especially so for young people who are getting to grips with the world and rely on others for care, and we are here to show them they are not alone.
“The Memory Days we hold every year really underline the importance of our work as so many children have a lightbulb moment when they realise they aren’t lonely anymore.
“We’ve had children who have had to try to come to terms with a parent taking their own life – even blaming themselves – but when other children opened up it helped them to dispel that idea.
“Others have said to us at the end of the day that it was like hearing their own feelings coming out of someone else’s mouth, and as a result, young people have formed long lasting bonds and friendships out of these experiences, which is so heartwarming to see.
“We are extremely grateful to Becketts Farm for supporting us.”
Becketts Farm is aiming to smash its own fundraising target of £2,600 achieved in 2022. The charity spends around £600 per day for a group of 18 young people.
Simon Beckett, chairman at Becketts Farm, added: “Touchstones Child Bereavement Support is a cause close to our hearts and we are thrilled to be supporting them.
Visit www.beckettsfarm.co.uk/special-events/becketts-farm-sunflowers for more information. Keep an eye on Becketts Farm’s social media accounts for updates on the field’s opening day.
