Charity’s commemorative garden wins Silver RHS Tatton Flower Show
Written by Lexi Heselwood on 29th July 2019
A garden commemorating our 25th Anniversary has been awarded a silver medal and Best Construction at the prestigious RHS Flower Show Tatton Park.
The garden was officially opened by Cheshire teenager, Loyd Wildridge, last week marking the silver anniversary of Children Today.
Loyd, 19, from Great Sutton, who is severely mentally and physically disabled, was awarded a grant from Children Today for an adapted trike earlier this year.
Helen Wildridge, Loyd’s mum, says: “It was an honour for us to represent Children Today and a great opportunity to highlight what the charity does. We’re very proud to be able to give something back and help spread the word about what they do to help others.”
Hugh McCaw, founder of Children Today comments: “The show was a wonderful opportunity to reach an audience that would otherwise be unaware of what Children Today does and a great to chance explain why what we do is so important. Many children’s charities offer vital services to help young people with disabilities and their families, but are unable to provide funding for equipment, which is often prohibitively expensive, but can be truly life-changing, which is where we come in.
“Loyd is a prime example of how adapted equipment is much needed and not just for the person but their families too. It enables Loyd to join in and be an active part of the family. Loyd’s thirst for life and wonderful sense of humour is truly inspirational.”
The conceptual garden, designed by local landscape designers, Jane Bingham of The Cheshire Garden, and Penny Hearn of Planting with Penny, depicted the story of the challenges faced by those that the charity supports and celebrates its success in helping children with disabilities to live life as independently as possible.
The designers chose five key plants to feature throughout the garden, which are symbolic of courage, patience, strength, gratitude and joy representing some of the key emotions experienced by those Children Today help.
Jane comments: “We’re thrilled with the silver medal and especially the Best Construction Award, which was for the entire show. Base Squared Ltd did an amazing job on the construction, which was obviously clear to the judges. It’s been a lot of hard work, come rain or shine, but worth every second. Explaining the story behind the garden to visitors has really helped to raise awareness about disability in general and specifically about the charity.”
Following the show, the plants and other materials from the garden have been sold off and the funds raised will be donated to Children Today.
The garden ‘Let’s Go Fly A Kite!’ – in reference to the Children Today’s kite logo, which symbolises a freedom of movement and spirit – was featured on the BBC2.