Chesterfield garden centre helps to raise £73,000 in support of teenage cancer charity

Dobbies Garden Centre in Barlborough is one of many branches that has been taking part in ongoing fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust – with more than three quarter of a million pounds raised over the last five years.

This recent donation was made with funds collected from across all 68 stores prior to the centres temporarily closing in March.

The fundraising efforts were led by team members at each of the stores from paper carrier bag purchases, the sale of the dedicated Teenage Cancer Trust rose, and contributions made in the soft play areas.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies, said: “We take great pride in our ongoing partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust.

“The charity inspires team members nationwide and we are looking forward to continuing these efforts in the future.”

The Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for the seven young people aged 13 to 24 diagnosed with cancer every day.

Heather Bowen, senior relationship manager from Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We, like many charities, have had to adapt quickly in response to coronavirus, both in terms of how services are delivered on the frontline, and how fundraising activity takes place.

“Fundraising has been hit hard and income is expected to halve as a result of the pandemic but this generous donation from Dobbies is a real lifeline.

“We can’t thank them enough.

“Looking ahead, our main priority is to ensure we continue delivering specialist support to young people during and after this crisis.

“We’ve launched a fundraising appeal, supported by this amazing donation, which aims to do just that.”

Both Dobbies and the Teenage Cancer Trust will share details of further fundraising efforts to take place later in the year.

For more information visit www.teenagecancertrust.org/donate.