Open garden day unites community in memory of beloved friend
A formidable group of friends has raised more than £60,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support by bringing the Clyst St Mary community together in memory of a beloved friend.
Al’s Pals Open Garden party has been running for the past few years thanks to a dedicated team hoping to honour the memory of their dear friend Alison Robinson, who died from cancer in 2019.
This year’s event raised £4,567.29, bringing the total collected by these fantastic fundraisers to £60,000 to enable Macmillan Cancer Support to fund services for people living with cancer.
Debbie Lewis, member of Al’s pals and organiser of the day, said: “There was a lovely mix of all generations and a great atmosphere. Since Covid, people have got out of the habit of socialising in big groups, so giving them the opportunity to share a cuppa and chat with neighbours was really welcomed.”
The event meant a huge amount to Alison’s friends, especially as Alison's mum, Lorna, flew down from Scotland for it.
Alison's daughter, 14-year-old Meredith, also played an integral part on the day and in the lead-up by selling lots of raffle tickets.
Meredith, alongside Debbie’s son Henry, are both doing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, so this event helped them achieve necessary experience in volunteering.
The open garden day included coffee and cakes, bric-a-brac, a raffle, nearly new clothes, crafts and plants and local artwork.
Debbie said: “I think the combination of different stalls worked well. It made people stay longer as there were different things to browse and different areas of the garden to explore and relax in.
"My aim for this year's Al's Pals Open Garden Party was to beat last year's total of £2,214, so to raise £4,567 was just incredible! This was only made possible by all the amazing people who helped, came along and supported us on the day.
“People's generosity never ceases to amaze me, especially in the current economic climate. Sadly, cancer affects everyone in some way, so knowing what we raised at last weekend's event could pay for a Macmillan nurse for a month, or a support worker for seven weeks is just amazing!”
Leanne Thomas, Macmillan Relationship Fundraising Manager for Cornwall, added: “The love Al’s Pals hold for their beloved friend Alison is clear to see in the dedication and compassion they put into every fundraiser they host. Thanks to amazing groups like them, Macmillan Cancer Support can continue to do whatever it takes for people living with cancer, and we are so grateful for their support.”
You can keep up to date with Al’s Pals future events at macmillan-org.enthuse.com/alspals/profile or to host your own fundraising event, sign up for a free Coffee Morning kit at coffee.macmillan.org.uk.
