Butterfly Release Raises over £7,500 for KEMP Hospice

On Saturday 13th September, the gardens of Bodenham Arboretum were filled with love, remembrance, and fluttering wings as we joined together for our annual Butterfly Release.

Each butterfly carried with it a precious dedication, a symbol of cherished memories and lives never forgotten. Thanks to the incredible generosity of all who donated and took part, together we raised over £7,500 in support of KEMP Hospice.

Sponsored by Gaunts of Kidderminster, the poignant event gave families and friends the opportunity to make a donation to KEMP Hospice, and release a live butterfly in memory of a loved one, creating a beautiful and symbolic tribute of life, love, and remembrance.

Jake Gaunt, Company Director of Gaunts Family Funeral Directors, said: “It is a pleasure to sponsor and support KEMP’s Butterfly Release and to play a part in helping raise vital funds for such an important local charity. The Butterfly Release was a beautiful and moving event, a true celebration of life and remembrance. Supporting local causes that align with our own values is incredibly important to us at Gaunts, which is why we’re so pleased to support KEMP Hospice. We’re proud to blend traditional values with a modern, personal approach and our recent expansion into Tenbury Wells is an exciting step that reflects KEMP’s own mission to extend care and bereavement support to the community.”

A wonderful local celebration

The ceremony was accompanied by heartfelt performances from the Kidderminster Male Choir, who sang moving renditions of Bridge Over Troubled Water and Can You Feel the Love Tonight? The audience was also treated to a specially written and performed poem, Brigade of Souls, by Worcestershire’s Literary Champion, Pete Thompson.

The event was also attended by the Mayors of three of Wyre Forest’s largest towns – Cllr Nicole Harper (Bewdley), Cllr John Thomas (Stourport), and Cllr Doug Hine (Kidderminster) – who joined local residents in remembering loved ones and celebrating lives.

Butterfly Release supporting KEMP Hospice

Ian Carr, Head of Fundraising & Communications at KEMP Hospice, said: “The event was a huge success. As well as the money raised by people generously dedicating a butterfly in memory of their loved ones, it was a chance for attendees to reflect and celebrate the life of someone they’ve lost. The release of the butterflies is a great way to symbolise their life and accompanied by some beautiful music and fabulous poetry, it really was a morning to remember for us and everyone who attended. We would also like to extend our thanks to Gaunts for their support and sponsorship with the Butterfly Release.”

KEMP Hospice Butterfly Release 2025

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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.