8:51 am, June 3, 2014
A TEAM of staff from Mitsubishi dealerships in the south-east have helped transform an unloved patch of land into a beautiful sensory garden for schoolchildren to enjoy.
Staff from CCR Mitsubishi dealerships in Putney, Chertsey and Chessington gave a hand to the WellChild charity, which had a garden specially designed for the Chelsea Flower Show and then transported the whole thing to The Brook Special Primary School, in Adams Road, Tottenham.
CCR Mitsubishi, which has 11 dealerships across the south of England, sponsors WellChild, a national charity that helps seriously-ill children and their families across the UK, and when staff heard about the project they were happy to help.
Peter Maddox, a fundraiser at WellChild, said: ‘We had the garden at the Chelsea Flower Show to help raise awareness about the work we do. To increase its positive impact we relocated it lock, stock and barrel to the school for them to enjoy as part of our Helping Hands projects.
‘We can’t do these sorts of projects without volunteers like the team from Mitsubishi so it’s great that they have given us their time. This project has only been possible because of their support.’
Shane Sunkel, brand manager at Putney Mitsubishi, said: ‘When we heard about this, we all thought it was a great idea. It was hard work, with a lot of lifting and digging involved but it’s really satisfying to see this muddy area transformed into an amazing garden for all the children to enjoy for years to come.’
Shane was joined by his master technician Chris Porter, plus Saul Hodder, brand manager at Chertsey Mitsubishi and Andrew Blanks, brand manager at Chessington Mitsubishi.
Olivia Kirk, the designer who created the garden on behalf of WellChild, added: ‘I think it’s brilliant that the garden has been relocated to the school. It’s lovely that it will be there for children to enjoy.’
Headteacher Margaret Sumner said: ‘The school is delighted that the WellChild garden has come to The Brook Special Primary School. The pupils send a real thank you to the teams who have built the garden for them – it was an a amazing feat especially over such a short space of time.’
WellChild provides essential practical and emotional support for seriously ill children, young people and those who care for them to ensure they receive the best possible quality of care. The patron of the charity is Prince Harry. For more information go to wellchild.org.uk
- Our picture shows, from left, designer Olivia Kirk; master technician at Putney Mitsubishi Chris Porter; brand manager at Putney Mitsubishi Shane Sunkel, brand manager at Chessington Mitsubishi Andrew Blanks, WellChild’s Peter Maddox and brand manager at Chertsey Mitsubishi, Saul Hodder
