Local garden owner opens to public and raises £6k

Garden owner Emma Pritchard, (pictured above, far left) opened her Wilmington garden to the public last month, to raise money for North Kent charity ellenor, as part of their annual Secret Garden campaign to raise funds to care for families facing terminal illness in Kent. Emma was inspired by her Mum who died in 2013 and who was cared for by ellenor.

Over 200 residents from all over the local area came to relax and unwind in this carefully designed garden. Guests enjoyed an afternoon amongst the flowers, accompanied by a live band.

Emma, who opened her garden on Saturday 20 June, said ”ellenor looked after my lovely Mum when she sadly passed away in 2013. As a family, we were so grateful for the superb care provided by ellenor we wanted to give something back. We roped in help from family, friends and neighbours, and everyone said they had a brilliant time. They are all asking when we are having our next party!”

Visitors gave a donation to join in the fun, with traditional games and activities for all the family, food and drink, and an auction. With the generous support of her guests Emma was delighted to raise over £6,000.

Emma is keen to encourage anyone thinking of open their garden with the support of ellenor. Emma said “We will definitely do it again and would really encourage anyone wanting to open their garden to go for it. We all had so much fun raising money for a brilliant cause and were overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who contributed and attended on the day”

All money raised from Secret Gardens will help ellenor to provide vital hospice care to seriously ill children, adults and their families in the local area.

The next Secret Garden is at the fabulous Esperance House on Sunday 5 July, 2-5pm, at St Davids Road Hextable, followed by the tranquil Lawn Cottage, on Sunday 19 July, 2-5pm at Nash Street, Meopham; with another opportunity to enjoy an evening of musical entertainment at The Old Vicarage, on Thursday 23 July, 6pm, Swanley Villiage.

To find a secret garden near you visit: www.ellenor.org or if you think you may like to open your garden for ellenor, contact Angela on 01322 221315 or email angela.ward@ellenor.org to find out more.