An absolutely fabulous way to raise funds for garden for spine injured patients
Joanna Lumley, actress, activist and ambassador of national charity Horatio’s Garden, is encouraging everyone to take up their teapots this summer in aid of the third annual Horatio’s Garden Fabulous Summer Tea Party, which raises vital funds to support people affected by spinal injury.
The Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries based at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital near Oswestry has seen its Horatio Garden created in the last couple of years.
The countrywide fundraising event is all about appreciating our gardens and natural spaces whilst simultaneously celebrating family and friendship.
Together, these elements of our lives have shown themselves to be immensely valuable throughout the past year.
The actress and activist has been the face of the Horatio’s Garden Fabulous Summer Tea Party campaign since it was launched in 2019.
Sharing her support for the event, Joanna said: “Patients with spinal injuries need your support more than ever and you can make a huge difference to people facing difficult times by simply having a cuppa – or even a glass of fizz! – and donating via the Horatio’s Garden website.”
Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Horatio’s Garden has continued to lend a horticultural hand to people adjusting to life-changing spinal cord injuries in NHS hospitals across the UK, as well as to the clinical teams who care for them.
Havens
Their accessible and expertly designed gardens have remained open against all odds for patients throughout the pandemic.
Joanna said: "The havens have not only been vital for people’s physical rehabilitation and the psychological wellbeing of patients and staff alike, but have also provided a beautiful outdoor space where visitors can safely see their loved ones, who on average spend upwards of two months in hospital.
"With five thriving gardens to support and a sixth due to be opening in autumn this year, every penny raised at your Fabulous Summer Tea Party will make an enormous difference.
"You can host your very own Fabulous Summer Tea Party anytime and anywhere; as long as it’s within government guidelines, the more innovative, the better."
Individuals can also get involved on social media by sharing a #TeaForChange selfie featuring your favourite brew, texting TEA to 70450 to donate £5 and challenging three people to do the same.
"Together we can all be part of something special this summer and help Horatio’s Garden to improve the lives of everyone affected by spinal injury now and for many years to come," she added.
To discover more about the Horatio’s Garden Fabulous Summer Tea Party and download your Fabulous Fundraising Pack, visit www.horatiosgarden.org.uk/teaparty or call 01722 326 834.
