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Butterfly Release Raises over £6,500 for KEMP Hospice

16th September 2026

On Saturday 12th September 2026 a community of people gathered together to remember the lives of people much loved and much missed. Read more about the event.

Our fifth annual Butterfly Release took place on Saturday 12th September in the incredible surroundings of Bodenham Arboretum, raising over £6,500 to support local people with life-limiting conditions and their families across the Wyre Forest.

Sponsored by Gaunts of Kidderminster, the event brings people together to remember those who are much loved and much missed from their lives. Each person can donate and dedicate a live butterfly to release in their memory, creating a beautiful and symbolic tribute of life, love, and remembrance.

The ceremony was accompanied by a wonderful performance from West Midlands Concert Band playing beautiful music as a gentle soundtrack to the day. A special poem was also written and performed by local Celebrant Angela McCartney, capturing the emotion of the day as people took a moment to remember their loved ones.

The event was attended by the Mayors of three of Wyre Forest’s largest towns – Cllr Sharon Harvey (Bewdley), Cllr Tim Berry (Stourport), and Cllr Shazu Miah (Kidderminster) – who joined local residents in remembering loved ones and celebrating lives.

Ian Carr, Head of Fundraising & Communications at KEMP Hospice, said: “The event was a truly special and memorable occasion. As well as raising vital funds for KEMP Hospice through the generous dedication of butterflies in memory of loved ones, it gave everyone who attended a chance to pause, reflect and celebrate the lives of those they have lost. Seeing the butterflies released together was a beautiful and poignant way to symbolise their lives, and alongside the wonderful music and poetry, it created a very moving morning that we hope everyone will remember.”

Funds raised from the Butterfly Release will help KEMP Hospice continue to provide specialist care and support, free of charge, to patients, families, and carers affected by life-limiting illness and bereavement across the Wyre Forest.

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