Volunteers from Marks and Spencer in Telford and Shrewsbury sparked something good this week when they swapped shopping trolleys, tills and shelves for wheelbarrows, trowels and mowers to help in our gardens.

We were chosen by local staff to benefit from the retail giant’s community volunteering commitment, donating time and £1,000 to be shared between the charity’s two award-winning gardens.

More than 30 members of staff worked over three full days to sow a wildflower embankment, repaint garden furniture and plant borders and beds. They even made time to treat our day patients to afternoon tea.

Their efforts were supported by Cambers Country Store which donated paint, and by shoppers who raised funds in store.

Nicky Jones, from Marks and Spencer Shrewsbury said: “M&S has committed to delivering one million hours of community volunteering by 2025 and we could think of no better place locally to support than Severn Hospice.

“Our community campaign is all about making it matter when you volunteer and we know that Severn Hospice makes a difference every day.

“Our teams really enjoyed their days, despite some of us getting a right soaking on Monday! And it gave us all a great sense of satisfaction and personal reward to know that our commitments are appreciated by patients and the hospice’s team, especially the gardeners.”

Lucy Ruff, fundraising manager at Severn Hospice, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by the two stores to benefit from their campaign. The teams have worked really hard during their time with us and our Day Hospice patients thoroughly enjoyed their afternoon tea.

“On behalf of our patients and everyone at Severn Hospice I would like to thank guys at Marks and Spencer in Telford and Shrewsbury for their continued support.”