SUPPORTERS of a Poole based hospice have been displaying yellow ribbons across Dorset in support of the charity’s annual Tie A Yellow Ribbon event, which was postponed this year due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Tie a Yellow Ribbon, one of the most important dates in the Forest Holme Hospice calendar, is a commemorative event bringing the community together in joint celebration of their loved ones, irrespective of whether they were cared for by the hospice or not.

The charity usually hosts the event in its own garden as part of Hospice Awareness Month in June but, due to Government guidelines on social distancing, they were unable to organise it this year, so instead encouraged supporters to display a ribbon in memory of a loved-one at home over the summer.

Fundraising and Communications Manager at Forest Holme Hospice Paul Tucker said: “Every summer the yellow ribbon dedications glisten in the sunshine outside the hospice and are a visual reminder of the love and fond memories we have of our partners, family members and friends.

“However, because of lockdown, we decided to try and have our yellow ribbon display out into the local community over the summer, and get people displaying yellow ribbons in their windows and gardens across Dorset and beyond.

“We want to thank those who have got involved so far and especially those who have kindly made a donation in return for their ribbon.

“The response has been fantastic so far and many have been sharing their photos with us on social media.”

The hospice has produced a pull out ribbon template, which can be downloaded via its website www.forestholmehospice.org.uk although the charity is looking for people to be creative with their own designs too.