Princess Alice Hospice at Pride in Surrey
We had the joy and privilege of taking part in Pride in Surrey 2025 — an unforgettable day filled with colour, connection, and community spirit. The energy was vibrant, the conversations moving, and the welcome we received from the LGBTQ+ community was truly heart-warming.
At Princess Alice Hospice, we’re always looking for ways to connect more deeply with the diverse communities we serve—and Pride gave us the opportunity to do just that. Our stall offered more than just information about our services. It became a space for sharing, remembering, and creating something beautiful together.
Come be part of a Living Quilt 🌈
One of the most special parts of our day was inviting people to be part of our Living Quilt — a collective artwork stitched together from decorated fabric squares, each one created in memory of someone loved and lost. Whether remembering a parent, friend, partner, pet, or chosen family member, people of all ages stopped by to reflect and honour lives that meant so much to them.
Some used bright colours and bold words, others sketched tiny doodles or added glitter and sparkle — but each square was deeply personal, heartfelt, and full of meaning. No sewing skills were needed — just an open heart and a willingness to share.
Honouring history, stitching new stories
Quilting has long held a special place in LGBTQ+ history. It’s more than fabric and thread — it’s storytelling, resistance, celebration, and healing all stitched into one. One of the most powerful examples is the AIDS Memorial Quilt, begun in 1987 in the United States. What started as a small project grew into the world’s largest piece of community folk art, with panels lovingly made to honour those lost to HIV/AIDS.
This year, we were moved to see the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt displayed in full at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall—a powerful reminder of the importance of collective memory and the strength that comes from sharing our stories. That legacy of quilting as remembrance and resilience is something we were proud to carry forward through our own Living Quilt.
A space for grief, joy, and pride
It was powerful to see so many visitors to our stall pause, reflect, and create. Some talked about friends they’d lost during the early days of the HIV crisis. Others celebrated their identity, or honoured a member of their chosen family who had helped them become who they are today. Every story mattered. Every stitch counted.
From children joyfully crafting with markers and stickers, to elders quietly reflecting with words and memories, the quilt became a tapestry of community — a celebration of life, love, grief, and pride.
Looking ahead
We’re so grateful to everyone who stopped by to talk, share, create, or simply listen. Events like Pride remind us why our work matters — because every life is unique, and every story deserves to be honoured with compassion and care.
As we continue stitching our Living Quilt together, we look forward to displaying it at future events, and sharing the beauty of what a community can create when we come together with open hearts.
Pride in Surrey, thank you for having us! 💜


















