Poignant beach-side tribute to missed loved ones returns to North Devon this August

A heartfelt gathering to remember loved ones will take place on Sunday, August 10, as North Devon Hospice invites the whole community to its special Floating Bye event.

Now a long established annual summer event, Floating Bye offers a way to honour the memory of someone special and all are welcome to attend or send their own tribute.

For a donation to North Devon Hospice, those taking part 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 placed on a hand-crafted raft and as the sun begins to set, the raft is gently towed out to sea by local rowers, creating a deeply moving and symbolic farewell.

Above: Attendees at Floating Bye with the floral raft which will be towed out to sea in honour of much missed loved ones. Credit: North Devon Hospice 

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Lizzie Hanks, head of Fundraising at the hospice, said it was a beautiful and shared moment of remembrance.

She added: “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.”

Above: As the sun begins to set, the flower-covered raft is towed out to sea by local gig rowers. Credit: North Devon Hospice 

The hospice cares for people and families facing the impact of cancer and other life limiting illnesses. Its 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 of their lives.

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 cared for the hospice.

Debbie said: “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.

“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.”

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Floating Bye is on Sunday, August 10 at Instow from 6.15pm. To take part, or to leave a message and make a donation in memory of someone special, please visit floatingbye.co.uk.