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Beautiful flowers are bringing extra colour to the East Cheshire Hospice gardens thanks to a family-run business.
Three trolleys of bedding plants were donated by Luke Brothers from their Knutsford-based nursery.
The family have made the gifts each year as a thank you to the Hospice for caring for David Luke who died in 2023.
Son Grant and daughter Aqua delivered the flowers to the Hospice on Millbank Drive where volunteers from Barclays were on hand to plant them.
Aqua and Grant Luke delivering bedding plants to East Cheshire Hospice.
David (62) was an inpatient at the Hospice before returning home where he was looked after by the charity’s Hospice @Home nurses.
Grant and Aqua said: “It was dad’s wish to be at home surrounded by his loving family and that was made possible by the amazing care received from the Hospice.
“We can’t thank the Hospice staff enough for their care and compassion at such a difficult time for our family.
“We’d have struggled without their help. They did everything they could for our dad and were so supportive of us as a family during this time and after David’s passing.
“Donating plants is our way of giving back and I know the gardens mean a lot to patients and families who continue to use the Hospice services.”
Volunteers from Barclays helping in the Hospice gardens.
The wholesale plant nursery was set up by Aqua and Grant’s grandfather Frank and his brother, Bob, more than 60 years ago.
Three generations have been involved. David, his brother Andrew, son Grant, daughter Aqua and his nephew Michael.
A 20-strong team from Barclays have been volunteering in the gardens for four years. The bank also makes donations to the Hospice.
In the past they have painted garden furniture and helped with other garden projects, including the plants this summer.
The initiative was organised by fundraisers and Jean Chaddock, the Hospice’s housekeeping supervisor.
Jean said: “The plants are wonderful and we’d like to thank both Luke Brothers and Barclays.
“Their ongoing support makes such a difference, ensuring our gardens remain a place of comfort, reflection and beauty for all who spend time here.
“This project is a great example of the corporate community coming together in different ways to create an environment our patients, families and visitors to enjoy.”