‘Our turf will help patients and families enjoy the attractiveness and tranquillity of the garden’
It’s a campaign which saw entrants rooting to be chosen as Topsham business HCT Turf announced it was giving away up to 150 square meters of locally grown grass as part of its ‘Turf It Forward’ campaign.
Nominations from far and wide were received by Steff Dennis and Richard Hockley from HCT Turf.
They considered each and every entry alongside guest judge Sam Burdick from County Grounds Maintenance who’ll be assisting with its installation.
Entrants included local schools, community sports clubs, charities and individuals with the winner being Hospiscare – a much loved local charity that provides crucial services for end-of-life care, supporting both patients and their families.
Estates Manager Sharon Ewart applied for turf for part of the garden lawn at the hospice garden at Searle House in Exeter. The area was damaged when an old pergola was removed.
‘The garden at the hospice is a special place for patients and their loved ones and we are so grateful to HCT turf for their help in returning it back to its full glory,’ says Sharon.
There is also a second area to be turfed by the front entrance which is a section of lawn that became very patchy during the dry summer months – and hasn’t recovered.
‘It was, of course, very difficult to make a decision as all the nominations were deserving, but we felt that there were strong reasons to choose Hospiscare,’ explains Richard.
‘The help and support that hospice charities offer cannot be underestimated’
‘Many people have lost friends and family to a terminal illness, me included, and the help and support that hospice charities offer cannot be underestimated.’
‘We’re pleased to know that our turf will help patients and families enjoy the attractiveness and tranquillity of the garden even more, as well as improve the look of the entrance to Searle House.’
The turf will be installed at Hospiscare by HCT and campaign partner County Grounds Maintenance within the next month. After a couple of weeks to let it root and settle, the new area will be ready to walk on again.
‘We’d like to thank everyone who sent in a nomination,’ says Steff from HCT. ‘We’re keen to repeat the campaign next year and would encourage everyone to try again, as it could be them next time!’
