From help in the garden, to the loan of equipment and even artwork, organisations in Hastings have shown how supportive they are to Hastings’ newest charity.

Mary House is a modern purpose built home which was finished last November. Since then, staff at the home have been busy helping the young residents to settle in. They have also been working hard to turn Mary House into an attractive vibrant loving home which is a joy to live and work in. Many Hastings businesses have helped them to achieve this.

Kind staff at Barclays Sales Financing Team based in Hastings, offered to initiate work in the garden and sent three teams of volunteers early in April to clear and prepare land around the home, and plant flower beds and pots around the courtyards. The large plot around the home eventually will be turned into an interactive sensory garden for the therapeutic enjoyment of the residents.

Barclays were aided by the Friary Gardeners, who provided low cost plants for Mary House, and the free loan of wheelbarrows and gardening tools. To help spruce up the drive and walk ways, Onyx based in Hastings, provided a free professional road sweeper. Together these organisations have transformed the garden from mud, weeds and dirty pathways, to well stocked, neat and colourful areas which will be enjoyed by all the residents for year to come as well as by Her Royal Highness during her visit on Wednesday.

The interior of the home, although beautifully finished by the builders, until recently lacked interesting art work on the walls. Hastings Art College, responded to a plea from the home, and provided a large number of interesting and unique pictures, paintings and prints to decorate the home.

The royal visit would not be complete with the finishing touches of flowers, and St Leonard’s florists provided several free bouquets to liven up the sitting room. Pining 4 U also loaned Mary House an attractive pine desk for Her Royal Highness to sit at and sign the Mary House visitor’s book. St Leonard’s Motors offered a brand new car to transport the royal party on the day, although this offer was later declined.

Gill Burnham, Director of Nursing at Mary House said; “Residents and staff at Mary House have been touched by the kindness and generosity shown by the Hastings business community. Thanks to their input, our home looked wonderful for the Countess’s visit.” Ms Burnham continued; “As a charity, we have limited funds to spend. The help we received saved us a fortune.”

Paula Edwards who runs the St Leonards Florst and donated bouquets and flower arrangements commented; “We were delighted to help Mary House with the royal event. We are impressed by the home, and were keen to help this locally based charity.”

Providing a home to eight young people, Mary House, is owned and run by Martha Trust a south east based charity which provides lifelong residential and respite care for adults and children with profound learning and physical disabilities. Martha Trust also run two homes and a daycare centre in Deal, East Kent.

The cost to build Mary House was £1.25 million, all of which had to be raised from individual supporters and grant-making trusts. Local authorities provide basic fees for each resident, but Martha Trust must raise over £250,000 each year to develop and improve the facilities and to ensure that residents enjoy the best possible quality of life and opportunities.