HELEN LOCKWOOD: Delight after gardens award win thanks to volunteers

The hospice entered RHS North West in Bloom for the first time this year, under the "It’s your Neighbourhood" category, which recognises the fantastic work of volunteer gardeners, ensuring they get the recognition they deserve.

Our gardens are lovingly maintained by a team of amazing volunteers who have worked tremendously hard to create a truly beautiful oasis of calm and comfort for our patients and their families.

Hospice volunteers carrying out work at the gardens (Image: Supplied) The hospice gardens (Image: Supplied) People from various walks of life have all worked, week in, week out, and in all weathers to get us to this monumental point, and their efforts certainly have not gone unnoticed, as the gardens have now been deemed "outstanding" - the highest level that can be achieved.

On Tuesday, October 29, the hospice’s volunteer coordinator, Joanne Johnson, and facilities manager, Kevin Graham, had a fantastic afternoon at the RHS Britain in Bloom It’s your Neighbourhood Awards 2024, alongside three of our dedicated gardening volunteers, Jamie Unsworth, Gary Foyne, and Veronica Foyne.

We are so grateful to each and every person who has helped us to transform our gardens.

Kevin Graham, Jo Johnson, Veronica Foyne, Gary Foyne and Jamie Unsworth at the awards event (Image: Supplied) The hospice's award (Image: Supplied)

The hospice gardens (Image: Supplied) The hospice gardens (Image: Supplied) Our local Bury community jumped on board to support this project, donating plants, shrubs, lawnmowers, gardening equipment, and more importantly their time.

Never did we expect that a chance meeting with a passer-by enquiring about our gardens back in March, would lead to a complete renewal of the hospice grounds.

At the time, the passer-by introduced himself as Roy Down, RHS judge on the committee of North West in Bloom – and our journey to enter the prestigious competition, led on from there.

Since April, the hospice gardening squad has dedicated more than 1,500 hours to improving our surroundings through innovative landscaping, in order to achieve our diverse and sustainable outdoor spaces.

The greenery has been transformed (Image: Supplied) The hospice has been honoured (Image: Supplied) Our gardens are not just about aesthetic improvement, they represent a thriving, inclusive community.

Bury Hospice chief executive Helen Lockwood (Image: Supplied) This collaborative effort has fostered new friendships, provided meaningful engagement, and demonstrated the profound benefits of working in a safe, supportive environment.

Together, we are cultivating more than just plants, we are growing a vibrant, caring community.

If you’d like to volunteer at the hospice, please get in touch with Joanne Johnson by emailing volunteering@buryhospice.org.uk or calling 0161 543 9671.