"A wonderful gift that keeps on giving" – Lady Anne Neill visits Bluebell Wood's Together Garden

Lady Anne Neill, Deputy Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, representing His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, recently visited Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice to meet garden volunteers and representatives from Greenfingers Charity, who helped create the hospice's Together Garden.

During her visit, Lady Anne toured the garden and spoke with volunteers about the role they play in maintaining the peaceful space for families.

Speaking to Bluebell Wood's Tim Jennings, Lady Anne said she was struck by the thought and care that had gone into creating the garden.

"I wanted to come along and see the Together Garden for myself and understand the effort that has gone into creating a place of comfort for families who are coping with some of the saddest times in their lives," she said.

"I think this garden provides such solace, calm and peace. It gives families a place to sit, reflect and simply be together while navigating incredibly difficult circumstances."

Lady Anne praised both Greenfingers Charity and the garden's designers, Joanne and Phil, for creating what she described as a beautiful and meaningful space.

 

"It's exquisite. It's like a work of art," she said. "Whether you're sitting under the canopy or on one of the benches, you can see how much thought has gone into every detail.

"It's a wonderful gift because it's a gift that keeps on giving. Not only has Greenfingers Charity helped create the garden, but they've also supported its ongoing maintenance, working alongside the volunteers here at Bluebell Wood to ensure it remains a beautiful place for families."

She added that the project demonstrated the power of charities working together to support those who need it most.

"It's been a real moment of pride to see charities working together for the benefit of families at such a difficult time in their lives. Congratulations to everyone who has been involved."

As her visit took place during Volunteers' Week, Lady Anne was also keen to recognise the contribution made by Bluebell Wood's volunteers.

"I'm very conscious that it's Volunteers' Week and where would charities be without volunteers?" she said.

"The moment I arrived, I was greeted by two fantastic garden volunteers, Terry and John, who were hard at work caring for the grounds. But they're just two of the many volunteers who support Bluebell Wood in so many different ways.

"I've seen volunteers helping with fundraising, supporting events, working behind the scenes and helping within the hospice itself. Every single one of them is invaluable."

Lady Anne described volunteers as the "unsung heroes" of the charity sector.

"No charitable organisation could afford to pay for all the support it needs, so volunteers are absolutely essential. They give their time, skills and energy to make a difference to others, and that's something worth celebrating."

She also encouraged more people to consider volunteering, highlighting the personal benefits as well as the impact it can have on others.

"It's very good for your health too," she said. "It keeps you active, it keeps you socialising and it introduces you to amazing people.

"So bravo to all volunteers, and thank you for everything you do."