The beginning of August saw Phyllis Tuckwell’s final 2023 plant sale and the last at its old Hospice building, and many green-fingered supporters came along to pick up some 2-for-1 bargains and be part of this special moment.

Phyllis Tuckwell has been holding monthly plant sales at its Hospice in Farnham for 25 years. Growing from very small beginnings, they have become a much looked forward to event in the calendar for local plant lovers. They have always included a wide variety of beautiful flowers, shrubs, trees and vegetables, all of which have been donated by the generous local community. All of the money raised goes directly towards helping fund the supportive and end of life care that Phyllis Tuckwell provides for local patients and families living with an advanced or terminal illness, such as cancer. In 2023 alone, the sales raised over £5,470, enough to pay for nearly two months’ care from one of Phyllis Tuckwell’s counsellors, who provide emotional support to patients and their families and carers.

The August plant sale was the last to be held at the old Hospice building as the charity plans to build a new Hospice on this existing site. Demolition of the old building is due to take place in November/December, with building work planned to start from January 2024 and the charity aiming to move into its new Hospice by January 2026. If you would like to find out more about this, please visit www.pth.org.uk/new-hospice

“Our last plant sale of 2023, and the last in our old Hospice building, was a very special event,” said Ruth Masters, Head of Community, Corporate & Events Fundraising at Phyllis Tuckwell. “It was really nice to see so many of our regular supporters there. Thank you so much to all those who came along on the day and who have supported us by both donating to and buying from these plant sales over the years. A special thank you to all of the volunteers who have helped organise and run the sales too, we really appreciate the time and dedication that you so generously give.”

While the new Hospice is being built, a local supporter has kindly agreed to accept plant donations on behalf of Phyllis Tuckwell, which will be sold to support their hospice care. The number of plants they can accept will be very limited, so anyone who wishes to donate should email the Fundraising team at Phyllis Tuckwell on [email protected]. The Hospice plant sales will resume once the new Hospice opens and Phyllis Tuckwell will welcome plant donations once again.