Camborne Redruth Community Hospital has helped to send a unique poppy wreath on a special journey from Cornwall to France, to mark the anniversary of the D-Day landings.

The wreath, created by the Camborne Redruth Community Hospital, began its travels on Armed Forces Day in Falmouth last year, visiting various sites across Cornwall before reaching its final destination in Normandy today (June 6).

Debbie Richards, Chief Executive (R) and Sue Greenwood, Matron (L) Debbie Richards, Chief Executive (R) and Sue Greenwood, Matron (L) (Image: Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust)

There, it will be laid alongside other wreaths from across the UK, NATO, and Commonwealth countries, commemorating the brave men and women who landed on the beaches of Normandy.

Iain Henderson, Trustee of The Veterans Charity, highlights the significance of this tribute: "Remembrance is any and every day for veterans.

“This wreath will take a trip down the canal to Pegasus Bridge, which is exactly what my own uncle did shortly after D-Day.

“We need to keep remembrance alive before the history is lost."

 

The wreath's journey was also part of celebrations marking Camborne Redruth's achievement of becoming the second hospital within the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust to achieve Veteran Aware status.

This accreditation signifies the hospital's commitment to providing specialised care for the local Armed Forces community.

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Chief Executive Debbie Richards emphasises the hospital's dedication to supporting veterans and their families: "This is an acknowledgement of all of our Armed Forces, their service, and some of the unique challenges faced by all those who have served and their families."

The Veteran Aware status, granted by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, allows the hospital to offer specialised services including mental health support, hearing loss treatment, and limb amputation care.