Greener days ahead for Hospiscare – the winner of our community giveaway

We received nominations for up to 150 square meters of locally grown turf from local schools, community sports clubs, charities and individuals.

These were considered in detail by Steff and Richard from HCT Turf, along with guest judge Sam Burdick from County Grounds Maintenance who will be assisting us with the installation of the turf.

The recipient of the generous amount of turf has been revealed as Hospiscare, the much loved local charity that provides crucial services for end-of-life care, supporting both patients and their families.

Hospiscare’s Estates Manager Sharon Ewart applied for turf to reinstate part of the garden lawn within the hospice garden at Searle House in Exeter, which was damaged when an old pergola was removed.

Sharon explained: “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.”

There is also a second area to be turfed by the front entrance, a section of lawn that became very patchy during the dry summer months and hasn’t recovered.

Richard said: “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. 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 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.

Steff added: “We’d like to thank everyone who sent in a nomination; we’re keen to repeat the campaign next year and would encourage everyone to try again, as it could be them next time!”