The project is being led by locally based pharmaceutical company Pfizer, who is sponsoring plants and materials to boost the makeover of the garden at Frances House. In addition, as part of the company’s Reaching Out volunteering programme, a team of 25 employees from Pfizer’s Sandwich site spent their first day volunteering at the garden last week, removing tree stumps, clearing and digging the land in preparation for the next stages. They will return to the site in May to complete the planting and landscaping.

Pfizer responded to a fundraising appeal launched by the charity Martha Trust to update the garden. The new design will allow the five young adults who live at the home easier access to the outside environment so that they may enjoy nature and all the sensory pleasures within a beautiful setting. Activity areas for playing, relaxing or socialising will be linked by shaded wheelchair accessible paths. Beds will be stocked with plants in bold colours, many of which will have strong scents. There will also be a water feature and creative lighting, wind chimes and windsocks.

Debra Lagden, support worker at Frances House explained: “The garden was a plain turfed area, shaded by trees, which was not stimulating or interesting for our young adults. We are incredibly excited by the new plans for a sensory garden, and we are grateful to Pfizer and our other supporters for making this garden a reality.”

Volunteers from Pfizer work for the company’s Global Operations Department at Sandwich, and were coordinated by James Tysoe, space planner and Brett Martin, engineering team manager. James commented on the day: “I was thrilled to be a part of the day clearing the garden. My muscles ached, but I had a real sense of achievement. The team worked so hard that we over-filled the largest skip we could hire by 5 tonnes!” He continued: “I can't wait to see the garden finished, and to watch the young adults enjoying their new space.”

A number of fundraising activities are planned over the next few months to raise the last £2,000 to complete the garden. Anyone interested in helping should contact Martha Trust on 01304 615223 or email contact@marthatrust.org.uk.