Recognition for volunteer charity team behind St Michael’s Hospice garden

A team of have been recognised for its work growing the garden at a Herefordshire charity.

Members of the gardening team at St Michael’s Hospice have given up their time to transform the 1.5-acre plot in Bartestree which overlooks apple orchards and sweeping countryside beyond. Their efforts over the past three years have seen them receive a Landscape Award which was presented during the Heart of England in Bloom Awards held in Sutton Coldfield.

“We are delighted to have received this accolade which is testament to the hard work and time given by all the gardening volunteers,” said Steve Flack, one of the volunteers.

“This area has been transformed from a fairly nondescript piece of land to an area which is inviting, relaxing and calming for patients, their loved ones, staff members and volunteers across the charity. It means a huge amount to us as a team to receive comments about how much the garden has helped people during their time here. “Feedback like that really spurs us on to continue making this a welcoming space for all.”

The award was celebrated by Herefordshire-based gardening celebrity Monty Don, who announced the news to his 1.2 million Instagram followers. The Gardeners’ World host said he was “so proud of all that have worked so hard and given so much to create this garden”. Monty has visited the

Fundraising event at Fusion Salon!

Earlier in the year, our Fusion salon, based in Redditch, took part in the Style Against Cancer for Children with Cancer UK!

The Fusion reception was decorated with Style Against Cancer balloons and banners and the Level 2 hair students were offering clients a wash, blow dry and style for just £2. As well as this there was also a raffle that contained some great hair treatments and beauty bags, and sweet cones were also available to purchase. Over the two days, Fusion salon raised a total of £135.50, all these proceeds will go to this deserving charity.

Talking about the event, Level 2 Hairdressing student Morgan said: “Taking part in this event allows me to practice the techniques I have been learning in lessons and helps to build my independence and confidence. I really enjoy being able to practice my skills in the salon.” garden several times, offering his advice to the volunteer team. He also officially opened the gardens at St Michael’s last September during a fundraiser which brought the curtain down on the Hospice’s Open Gardens season. The gardening team at St Michael’s is currently full to capacity, but there are a number of other volunteer positions available. Just click here to find out more: www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/ volunteering-vacancies

Children with Cancer UK is one of the leading national charities dedicated to childhood cancer research. Every day in the UK, 10 families receive a childhood cancer diagnosis. This charity funds research into the causes of cancer and the development of better and kinder treatment.

Style Against Cancer unites the hairstyling community across the country. By hosting a pop-up event in salons, stylists are able to raise essential funds for childhood cancer research and increasing awareness of the realities a diagnosis can have.