Patients’ open garden fundraiser in aid of St. Luke’s Hospice

Gardens across South Essex will be open for the public to enjoy thanks to a fundraising initiative organised by a St. Luke’s Hospice patient for the charity.

Sandra Page, from Grays, is running the Open Gardens fundraiser to help raise money in aid of St. Luke’s Hospice, where she has been a day patient for the past six years since being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Local people are taking part in Sandra’s initiative by opening up their gardens sometime between May until mid-August 2022.

Sandra explains why she is passionate about nature, St. Luke’s Hospice and Open Gardens, which raises much needed funds for the charity.

Sandra says:

“Since giving up work, my garden and visiting other gardens, has turned from being a hobby into more of a passion which I have also amalgamated with my other love of making mosaics.

“I find that being outdoors in the fresh air surrounded by nature (flowers, trees and wildlife) enables me to find peace and tranquility which is now even more important to me, as the medical regime I am receiving causes me to have sensory overload.

“The gorgeous gardens at St. Luke’s Hospice have been a place where I, like many others, could relax and take a moment when times have been tough.

“I wanted to share my passion for gardens and gardening whilst raising funds and decided to develop the Open Gardens fundraiser in aid of St. Luke’s Hospice. I believe it’s a wonderful tribute to the Hospice.”

Open Gardens takes place from May until mid-August on selected dates. Smaller gardens will be grouped into localities with a garden trail running through three to four gardens over the course of a day. There will be an entrance fee of £5 per adult and £1 per child to visit each garden, with the majority of gardens holding a raffle.

A Christmas Floral Arrangement Workshop has also been planned for December 2022. 

Kerry Chambers, Events and Community Manager at St. Luke’s Hospice, said:

“We would like to say a special thank you to Sandra, the fantastic garden hosts and everyone involved, who so kindly donate their time and beautiful landscapes to raise funds in aid of St. Luke’s Hospice.”

It’s thanks to the generosity of our local community that St. Luke’s Hospice is able to continue caring for local people and their families.