Three local manufacturers – AESSEAL, MTL Advanced and Pryor Marking Technology – have come together in support of Rotherham Hospice’s new Feather Appeal, creating a striking display of remembrance in the historic gardens of Wentworth Woodhouse.
The Feather Appeal invites members of the public to dedicate a beautifully crafted steel feather in memory of their loved ones, with each feather forming part of a moving “Meadow of Memories” installation at Wentworth Woodhouse this August. Funds raised will help Rotherham Hospice continue its work of adding more life to every day for patients and families facing terminal illness.
At the heart of this community-driven project is MTL Advanced, whose apprentices are manufacturing the hundreds of steel feathers for the installation. For MTL Advanced, supporting Rotherham Hospice is deeply personal. The company has been a long-time advocate for the hospice, selecting them as Charity of the Year, donating to fundraising events, and even producing the stunning Tree of Life sculpture that now stands proudly in the hospice gardens.
Jamie Sharp, Business Manager at MTL Advanced, explained: “This partnership means a great deal to us. It gives our apprentices a meaningful opportunity to contribute their newly learned skills to an inspiring local project, while helping to make a difference to a cause that touches so many lives in our community.”
The initiative is proudly sponsored by AESSEAL, global leaders in environmental sealing solutions, who continue to champion causes that make a lasting difference.
“AESSEAL® is proud to support Rotherham Hospice and its vital work in the community,” said a company spokesperson. “We are delighted to stand alongside this incredible organisation for its new Feather Appeal at Wentworth Woodhouse, a meaningful initiative that will bring people together to honour loved ones while raising essential funds.”
Pryor Marking Technology, renowned for their precision marking systems, also joins the collaboration. The Sheffield-based company will be engraving all of the dedications onto the steel tags accompanying the feather, showcasing the strength of the area’s industrial community and its commitment to making a real-world difference.
Wentworth Woodhouse, one of the UK’s grandest stately homes, provides the perfect setting for reflection. Its gardens have been woven into countless local family memories, making it a fitting location to honour loved ones lost.
For people like Vicki Beckitt, the Feather Appeal offers more than symbolism – it provides a space to remember her soulmate, Steve, who passed away at 43.
“When Steve got ill, I didn’t think a hospice could help, but Rotherham Hospice proved me wrong,” Vicki shared. “They cared for Steve, they cared for me, and they cared for our boys. The Feather Appeal gives us somewhere meaningful to remember him.”
Vicki now works with Rotherham Hospice, supporting other families like hers, and believes the Feather Appeal is a vital way to keep memories alive while funding essential care.
“Grief doesn’t end, but having somewhere like this to honour your loved one, knowing others are remembering too, means everything,” she added.
The Feather Appeal runs from 9 to 23 August 2025 (closed Mondays). For a suggested donation of £40, supporters can dedicate a feather and visit the installation, with proceeds helping Rotherham Hospice provide vital end-of-life care.
As Rotherham Hospice CEO, Mat Cottle-Shaw highlighted: “This project reflects the very best of our area—the compassion, the craftsmanship, and the community spirit. We’re incredibly grateful to MTL Advanced, AESSEAL, Pryor Marking Technology, and Wentworth Woodhouse for making this tribute possible.”
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