Show off your garden for Children’s Hospice South West this September!
Children’s Hospice South West is asking people to show off their gardens in aid of the charity this September.
Supporters who have spent time getting green-fingered during lockdown are being urged to hold an open garden event between September 12-20 to raise vital funds for local children and families who use the Little Bridge House children’s Hospice in North Devon.
CHSW community fundraiser Dominic Scotting said: “For many of us, our gardens have been a sanctuary throughout the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. So if you’ve spent time making your garden into a beautiful haven, why not showcase all your hard work and help families and children with life-limiting illnesses?
“Simply open your garden to visitors and ask for a donation to enter. Alternatively, if you would prefer to offer free entry, you could still fundraise by offering a cream tea or refreshments for visitors to enjoy once inside!”
The gardens at Little Bridge House in Fremington have continued to be maintained for the children and families who visit. The spacious grounds provide a safe space where families can spend precious moments together; they also present the opportunity to enjoy sensory experiences, which can often bring joy or comfort.
Jenny and Alan King from Dawlish, whose grandson Stanley died at the hospice in June last year, recently opened their own garden, raising more than £700 for CHSW.
The couple, who have been raising funds for the charity for many years, asked for donations upon entry, held a raffle and tombola and sold refreshments to raise much-needed funds.
Jenny said: “We always have a collection tin here for people who want to make a donation. Often, in the days following our open garden, we get donations through the letterbox too.
I am lucky enough to have a husband who makes the garden look wonderful – it’s full of flowers!
Alan, who says he spends 3-4 hours a day in the garden to keep it looking its best, added: “Everyone loves a cup of tea and a chat, which is what we offer, as well as a look around the garden.
“Little Bridge House is a marvellous place and we will continue to raise money for the charity in this way.”
Supporters opening their garden for the charity are asked to ensure they adhere to Government guidelines and announcements from Public Health England on social distancing.