Since 2023, I had the privilege of supporting and sponsoring 'The Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards', an event with a warm heart, lifting those who have demonstrated extraordinary strength, resilience, and support within the breast cancer community. Founded by Sarah Pickles, whose own journey with breast cancer inspired the awards, the event honors not only survivors but also the healthcare professionals, volunteers, and organizations dedicated to helping those affected.
I Was Honored to Support Them Full Hearted With My Skills and Design
When I was asked to design a butterfly for attendees to stand in front of for their photos, I eagerly accepted the opportunity. Having witnessed my mother’s courageous fight against breast cancer and survival, her unwavering resilience became my constant inspiration.
"Her strength, even on the toughest days, has always been my guiding light."
My grandmother also battled the disease, and their journeys are deeply intertwined in the heart of my work.
Drawing upon my visual merchandising and floristry background, I made a stunning 6-metre-wide pink metal butterfly from Scott at Astbury Fabrication in Cheshire. The butterfly, a powerful symbol of hope and transformation, perfectly encapsulated the event's spirit. To bring the design to life, I decorated the butterfly with clusters of baby’s breath, along with 250 pink and ivory roses from De Ruiter Innovations, who have been breeding exceptional roses for over 100 years.
Pink Favorites for a Stunning Butterfly
The roses were arranged in an ombré palette. At the heart of the butterfly, I placed the vibrant cerise ‘Emira’, a hybrid tea rose, followed by ‘Special Dimension’, a garden spray rose whose ruffled salmon-pink petals added a playful touch. As the design expanded, the center was filled with the exquisite ‘Mandala’, a rose with a bright pink heart that fades gently toward the outer edges. Its romantic charm has since earned it a spot in my little black book of favorites.
As the butterfly’s wings extended outward, the colors softened to ‘Pomarosa’, a delicate powdered pink rose that exudes grace. Finally, the design was completed with the elegant ivory ‘Uzuri’, whose timeless beauty added the finishing touch to the wings.
A Touch of Glamour Using Exquisite Greenery
To elevate the design further, I added a touch of glamour with shimmering sequin panels framed by columns of tropical palms. Phoenix Roebelenii and Serenoa repens palms provided structure and height, while the glossy Aspidistra elatior, alongside sleek Black Tie and Green Tie Cordyline, added calm sophistication. This thoughtful blend of greenery and a subtle sparkle brought texture and elegance to the display, reflecting the themes of strength, beauty, and transformation.
Take Hope With You
At the close of the event, guests were invited to select a rose that resonated with them, a beautiful keepsake to carry home as a reminder of hope, love, and unity. This final gesture encapsulated the evening’s message—that in every transformation, there is strength, and in every challenge, there is grace.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a special gift to finalists – a butterfly in a box, representing hope and the power to fight.
Sarah Pickles, Founder of Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards, spoke to me:
"Your support meant everything to us and truly embodies the spirit of the Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards. The butterfly installation, with its stunning pink roses from De Ruiter East Africa, the breeder you told us about, was designed to create a real 'wow' factor and serve as a beautiful backdrop for photographs, offering a moment of reflection and celebration. The design has left people in awe, with people commenting on how it perfectly captures the essence of transformation and hope that the event stands for. We received some lovely feedback saying the installation made them feel uplifted and inspired. It’s become a cherished part of the experience, and we can’t thank you enough for being part of this event."
