Kind-hearted and green-fingered customers at a Telford garden centre have raised £2,000.

Lakeside Garden Centre in Priorslee stocked up on ‘Rainbow’ narcissi bulbs and made the decision to sell them in aid of us.

And they never guessed their venture would be such a blooming success.

The packets of bulbs flew off the shelves as many people were making the most of the time to get their gardens picture perfect for the colder months.

Snapped up

Hundreds of bags were quickly snapped up, with customers asking garden centre owner Kevin Turley when more would be in stock.

The garden centre also launched a home delivery service to help gardeners stuck at home unable to venture out.

Last week, Kevin handed over the money to our area fundraiser Hannah Gamston.

He said: “The bulbs really seemed to sum up the feeling of lockdown and, combined with the money we received for delivery of our gardening products, we raised £2,000.

“We have been supporters of the hospice for many years and we will do whatever we can to help out. The hospice was there for me and my family when my dad passed away and they help so many other people, so we want to give something back.”

Amazing

Hannah said: “Lakeside are amazing supporters of ours and have raised thousands of pounds for us over the years.

“Kevin and the team are wonderful, and their fundraising means we can be there for thousands of people who need our care.

“We really do appreciate them, particularly in these unprecedented times – their fundraising makes such a difference to us.

Excelled

“Once again, they have excelled, and we just can’t thank them enough. Their support, and that of everyone who bought the bulbs or made use of the home delivery service, means so much to us.”

Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, we have lost hundreds of thousands of pounds in fundraising – our events were cancelled, 28 shops were closed, and supporters were asked to stay at home for their own safety.

While the situation has improved slightly for we are still in a tricky position.

Brilliant

“Kevin and the Lakeside team are just brilliant,” said Hannah. “We are so pleased to receive their support and want to thank everyone who bought the bulbs or used the delivery service.”

And the garden centre will also be stocking our seasonal keepsake robins.

Hannah added: “The cheery robins, which are handmade and hand-painted, are the ideal way of remembering someone close to your heart and will bring comfort during winter months. They would make a brilliant Christmas gift.”