A special way to remember loved and lost ones this spring has been launched by Julia’s House.

The Dorset children’s hospice charity has created an ironworks butterfly that can be bought and kept in memory of someone close.

The Forever Butterfly, made by Unbearable Design Ltd in Weymouth, is handmade and finished in waterproof sky-blue lacquer.

Julia’s House says that placed somewhere meaningful, it will create an everlasting reminder and touching tribute to someone loved and lost.

But before all the butterflies land in their forever home, they will be featured in a butterfly garden display at Athelhampton House & Gardens near Dorchester from April 12 to 15.

The event, together with another in Wiltshire, will help mark Julia’s House 20th anniversary year.

Among those purchasing a Forever Butterfly is Diana Lawrence, pictured left, whose family have been supported by Julia’s House.

She said: “I will be buying my Forever Butterfly in memory of my sister, Gabrielle and mum, Maria.

“Having a butterfly in my garden is a lovely way of thinking of them being free.”

Gabrielle (Gabby) had a rare brain condition which meant one side of her brain was stronger than the other.

Her complex condition led to scoliosis of the spine, epilepsy and learning difficulties and she stopped being able to swallow.

Gabby died when she was just 15.

Diana Lawrence (right) with sisters Carly and Gabrielle and mum Maria.

Diana said: “We couldn’t have wished for a better place to be with Gabby in her final days than Julia’s House – a place where she came and played when she was alive.

“Sadly, after being at a remembering day for Gabby at the hospice, my mum died suddenly.

“It was such a shock.

“Even after Gabby and then my mum’s funeral, the support from Julia’s House never stopped for our family.

“They are always at the end of the telephone, especially on the harder days like the anniversaries.

“It’s a real comfort to know they will continue to be there for me.”

For Annabel Karmel, pictured left, Julia’s House Patron, the Forever Butterflies are special too.

She said: “Julia’s House is a charity close to my heart because of losing my daughter, Natasha.

“Losing a child is the worst thing that can ever happen to a mother.

“I always think what you do for others lives on and what you do for yourself dies with you.

“The work we all do with Julia’s House will live on through many generations of families.

“Forever Butterflies will help that work to continue and I will proudly be displaying my butterfly in memory of Natasha.”

The Forever Butterfly costs £35 and can be purchased from juliashouse.org/foreverbutterflies.

Forever Butterflies have been sponsored by Gallagher Insurance (Dorset) and Clinical Partners (Wiltshire).