An ambitious plan to create a special Sensory Garden for children with disabilities in Sandwell has received a major boost but still needs your help to turn campaigners’ dreams into reality.
National community trust Power To Change has offered a £5,000 cash injection to 4 Community Trust. The money will go some way towards transforming a disused garden at the Trust’s Respite house into a wonderful space for children suffering with autism and other disablilities.
The sensory garden was a dream of 4 Community Trust supporter Gary Simpson. A qualified landscape gardener, Gary had plans to transform the garden, at Dorothy House, for the benefit of his autistic son and other children with special needs.
His plan was lost when he tragically died in a motorcycle accident.
4 Community Trust pledged to complete the project as a legacy to Gary. They launched a Crowdfunder, but the fundraising climate is tough, and donations have been low.
The Crowdfunder closes at Noon on Friday, so time is tight.
Jo Haydon, Chief Executive of 4 Community Trust, said: “Our respite house is in the middle of one of the West Midlands’ least wealthy boroughs and people’s generosity can only stretch so far.
“We’re grateful to everyone who has given but the plans will cost several thousands of pounds and the cash injection from Power to Change is a major boost.
“We now have a few days to supplement their donation and we’re appealing for support.”
To get involved please go online to https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/give4gary.
4 Community Trust provides services to families in Sandwell Borough, offering childcare and respite for families who are struggling to support children with learning difficulties and special needs.
When the sensory garden is complete, 4 Community Trust plan to offer it for use to many parents who need a short break for respite care for their child with Special Needs.
Gary was well known to all at 4 Community Trust and is fondly remember by Jo and the team.
She said: “Gary was a great champion for our work. The garden at Dorothy House is overgrown and Gary shared our dream of transforming it into a sensory garden, with play equipment and a garden building which would be used as a sensory room.
“He was hoping to take the project forward at his own expense, gaining support from his employer and colleagues. Tragically Gary lost his life in a road accident in Stourbridge. This deeply upset all involved with 4 Community Trust and we are now determined to press forward and complete the project in Gary’s honour.
Gary’s partner, Julie Sadler, said: “The team at 4 Community Trust has been a huge source of support to our family. Gary was passionate to give back by carrying out the work and I now want to see it completed.
“It is much needed by parents and children across the borough, and it will also serve as a permanent tribute to Gary, so something very good would come out of his death.”
