Saint Francis Hospice is gearing up for the summer months. With small hints of spring in the air, it’s time to think about stepping back out on to your now gloriously green lawn — thanks to a very wet British winter.

If you’re green-fingered and have a garden worth showcasing to the public, then you can do so while doing something incredible for people whose lives have been affected by life-limiting illnesses.

Everyone who takes part in Open Gardens over the summertime will be raising vital funds for Saint Francis Hospice — and they will support you every step of the way to make sure your Open Garden blooms.

Judy and Adrian Cowan have been opening their three-acre garden to raise money for the Hospice since 1995. This summer will mark their 25th Open Garden. The couple’s passion for fundraising came about when the Hospice cared for Adrian’s mum, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1987.

“We felt indebted to Saint Francis Hospice from that moment on,” Judy recalled. “You can feel the love, care and energy as soon as you walk through the Hospice’s doors.”
Adrian remembered how the Hospice’s volunteer sitting service, which evolved into what is now known as Hospice at Home, was of great comfort to his family.

“Just having someone from the Hospice sit with her so that my dad could go out and have a break from caring meant so much to us,” he said.

Judy and Adrian will open their fantastical garden on the Sunday sandwiched between the first and second week of Wimbledon. There will be homemade tea, cake, and Judy’s herbal cosmetics, plus activities to keep the children amused while mum and dad shop for plants.

Judy’s 99-year-old mum — still as bright as a button — will be taking your £5 entrance fee on the door before she celebrates her 100th birthday in August.

Come along on Sunday 28th June between 11 am to 4 pm to explore their ever-evolving garden that surrounds Judy and Adrian’s 16th-century timber-framed farmhouse:
Little Myles, Ongar Road, Stondon Massey CM15 0LD

Saint Francis Hospice is self-run and self-funded. Local people raise nearly 75% of the Hospice’s operating costs by organising and attending fundraising events — just like Open Gardens. The Hospice relies on your kindness and generosity to help find over £7.8m a year so that they can keep doing what they do.

If you’d like to open your garden in aid of Saint Francis Hospice this year, please call 01708 771431 or email community@sfh.org.uk