Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, will host a new outdoor art exhibition, HeART of Ashgate, from Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9, to raise vital funds for the hospice. The event will bring together local artists, live music, and creative activities within the hospice gardens, celebrating local creativity and honoring the late Derbyshire artist Kenneth Waite.
Exhibition Highlights and Family Tribute
Visitors can browse original artwork, enjoy the gardens, and explore the recently unveiled Tree of Life sculpture. A highlight will be a collection of original paintings donated by Kenneth Waite's granddaughters, Emily Clark and Eleanor Pearce-Brown, in his memory. Kenneth, a former university art lecturer, died at age 92 after receiving end-of-life care at the hospice's inpatient unit. His granddaughters donated the artwork as a thank you after losing both parents and grandparents to cancer within a short period.
The sisters' connection to Ashgate is deeply personal: the hospice supported their nanna, Valerie, at home in 2019; cared for their dad, Roy, at his home in Tibshelf after a 2023 cancer diagnosis; and provided end-of-life care for their grandad, Ken. Their mum, Pam, died in January 2025 following cancer treatment. The family also received bereavement support through hospice family support groups and in-school programs.
Community Celebration and Fundraising
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy live music, art stalls, silent auctions, and refreshments while browsing artwork from local creators. The opening evening on Friday includes complimentary canapés and a glass of Pimm's on arrival, with the exhibition continuing across Saturday and Sunday with food and activities for all ages.
Emily Clark said: "Our connection to Ashgate is deeply personal. Within a short space of time, my sister and I lost both our parents and our grandparents to cancer. During one of the most difficult periods of our lives, Ashgate provided invaluable care, compassion, and support to our family. Their kindness and guidance helped us navigate an incredibly challenging and emotional time, making a real difference not only to our family members who received care, but to all of us."
Eleanor Pearce-Brown added: "The care Gramps received was incredible, and we were blown away by their kindness and the little touches, such as the fact that he could have an alcoholic drink before dinner. Gramps loved a whisky or sherry before dinner! Gramps was happy and settled and peaceful whilst in Ashgate Hospice and was so well cared for in his final days. We are grateful for all the care and support Ashgate gave to him and to us."
Hospice Fundraising Manager Comments
James Branson, events and community fundraising manager of Ashgate Hospice, commented: "We are incredibly proud to launch HeART of Ashgate this summer and hope it will become a major part of our annual calendar. The event is all about community, connection, and celebration. To be able to include Ken’s beautiful artwork donated by a family we supported, perfectly captures the spirit of HeART of Ashgate. Whether you're an art lover, looking for a day out with family and friends, or simply want to support your local hospice, we'd love to welcome you. Every ticket sold, every piece of artwork purchased and every donation made during the weekend will help us continue caring for people across North Derbyshire."
Event Details and Booking
The event takes place at Ashgate Hospice gardens in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Ticket details and booking are available online. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/heart-of-ashgate.
