Hundreds of people planted wooden sunflowers in memory of their loved ones at North London Hospice last Sunday.

More than 700 people turned out to the commemorative event held in the hospice’s garden in Woodside Avenue, North Finchley.

Pat Downey planted a sunflower in memory of her husband Ray Downey who died from motor neurone disease at the hospice in March last year.

Mrs Downey, 63, said: “The hospice does a fantastic job and Sunday was a great way of supporting them.

“Ray spent his final three days here and the doctors and nurses were just brilliant. Ray died just 10 months after diagnosis and we hadn’t planned how the final days would be.

“It was a real relief to have the support of the North London Hospice.

“The last days are so important and they made it less traumatic. It was the right place for us to be.”

North London Hospice supports people with potentially life-limiting illnesses as well as their families, friends and carers.

Robin Langrishe, director of income generation at the hospice, said: “Our sow a special sunflower event is a poignant occasion for people to remember someone special.

“The response this year has been overwhelming.

“It was wonderful that so many people attended. We have already raised around £20,000 through donations and people have been very generous.”

The sunflowers will remain on display until the end of July.