Remember loved ones at Floating Bye
Come place a flower and a message in memory of a loved one, on our specially-made raft. As the sun sets, the raft will be floated out to sea as we remember those we miss.
Come place a flower and a message in memory of a loved one, on our specially-made raft. As the sun sets, the raft will be floated out to sea as we remember those we miss.
A heartfelt gathering to remember loved ones will take place on Sunday 10th August, as North Devon Hospice invites the whole community to its special Floating Bye event.
Held annually in the idyllic surroundings of Instow Beach, Floating Bye offers a meaningful way to honour the memory of someone special. For a donation to North Devon Hospice, attendees are given a flower and a card, where a personal message can be written to someone no longer with us. The flowers and messages are then placed on a hand-crafted raft. As the sun begins to set, the raft is gently towed out to sea by local rowers, creating a deeply moving and symbolic farewell.
Learn more about about Floating Bye
“It’s a beautiful, shared moment of remembrance.” Lizzie Hanks, Head of Fundraising at North Devon Hospice, explains. “Importantly, Floating Bye is for absolutely everybody who has lost someone. They don’t need to have been cared for by the hospice. We want everyone to come together in memory, as the raft drifts gently out to sea. We are honoured to provide this space for reflection, where the community comes together to support one another, and support the compassionate care of North Devon Hospice.”
The event is open to all and provides a moving way to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us, while helping to raise funds for North Devon Hospice’s vital care and support.
The hospice cares for individuals and families facing the impact of cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. Their expert team provides support at home and at the hospice itself, offering everything from symptom management to emotional and spiritual care during the most challenging times.
This year’s Floating Bye will involve many people marking the memory of a loved one, including Debbie Lack from Barnstaple, who will be remembering close friends who were lovingly cared for by North Devon Hospice.
“I’ve been attending Floating Bye for around five years now, and it’s become such an important part of how I remember those I’ve lost,” said Debbie. “It’s such a beautiful way to honour someone’s memory, being surrounded by others who understand what it’s like to miss someone, all gathered in this calm, peaceful setting by the sea. It gives you space to reflect, but also to feel connected, supported, and not alone. The care my friends received from the hospice was incredible, and taking part in this event is a way to say thank you, and to keep their memory alive in the most meaningful way.”
Floating Bye will take place on Sunday 10th August from 6.15pm at Instow Beach.
