Patients at Macclesfield's East Cheshire Hospice are the latest to enjoy a beautiful floral display which helped bring a splash of colour to a nearby town centre.

The arrangement now has pride of place in the lush hospice gardens which provide a relaxing haven for patients and visitors.

The flowers were donated by new furniture, kitchen and home interiors store Neptune Knutsford which created a week-long display on Knutsford's Princess Street, by St John's Parish Church, to spread a touch of happiness amid the gloom brought upon by the coronavirus pandemic.

Each of the company's 27 stores nationwide took part in a campaign called #lovelytoseeyouagain with the flowers, placed in barrels, then donated to a local good cause.

Kate Bowmar, Corporate Fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice, said: "The flowers look amazing and we'd like to thank Neptune Knutsford for their kind gesture.

"Our gardens means so much to our patients and visitors, allowing them to enjoy their beauty and open space.

"Our hospice beds overlook the gardens and having such an attractive outlook nearby and within easy reach is hugely important."

Neptune, which recently opened its newest store last November on Chelford Road, Ollerton, chose the hospice in Macclesfield as the flowers' final destination.

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Neptune Knutsford Store Leader Joanna Makant said: "Neptune placed the displays close to each of our stores with the aim of bringing a little cheer and joy after what everyone's gone through.

"The flowers were something for passers-by to enjoy and we're delighted they're now being appreciated by patients at East Cheshire Hospice.

"It's a lovely charity and covers the area of many of our customers.

The garden there is so pretty and is overlooked by rooms on the ward, allowing patients and visitors to sit outside and enjoy the scenery.

The flowers are artificial so will have a much longer life."

The Hospice is the second-lowest funded in the country, receiving only 17 per cent of income from government.

The charity, which costs £7,500 a day to run, provides care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, their families and carers, free of charge.

The plants being artificial, will mean they can outlast weather conditions, and also be of help to more patients or visitors in difficult times.

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You can find more about the hospice situated at Millband Drive on their website.

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