A Dorset hospice is looking for dozens of gardeners to help raise funds to care for people with life-limiting illnesses.
Lewis-Manning Hospice is seeking green-fingered fundraisers from Broadstone to Bournemouth, Sandbanks to Southbourne, Poole to Poundbury to participate in a new open garden scheme next summer.
The hospice wants to encourage at least 25 gardens – or allotments – to sign up, with the aim of raising £20,000, which is enough to pay for the complete running of the bedded End of Life unit for five days. This means that patients can spend their last moments in comfort and peace, with family and friends close at hand.
Tom Goodinge, associate director of income and communications, said: “We hope to encourage as many green-fingered gardeners to open their gardens for us. They can commit at any time in June or July 2019 for a few hours or a few days.
“Some gardens may wish to provide cream teas or organise a raffle to raise money while others just open their gardens or fabulous fruit and vegetables plots – it’s entirely up to the garden owner or allotment holder, and all offers of help are gratefully received.
“The garden here at the hospice, overlooking Poole Harbour, has been described as a ‘sanctuary’ by patients who have loved creating gardens to enjoy with family and friends during their lifetimes. In sharing your garden or allotment you will be supporting patients and families in Poole, Bournemouth and the surrounding areas who are facing a life-limiting illness.”
For more information or to sign up, contact David James (fundraising team): [email protected]
The photo shows the beautiful gardens at Lewis-Manning Hospice and the view out over Poole Harbour.