Garden centre supports vital research

2 min read
Burston Garden Centre, in St Albans, has chosen Brain Tumour Research as its official charity of the year following the shock diagnosis of the co-owner’s son.

Shay Emerton was diagnosed with a grade 2 glioma in April last year. Following surgery to remove the tumour, he suffered supplementary motor area (SMA) syndrome which left him with temporary paralysis down his right-hand side. Shay is now preparing to run the TCS London Marathon in October with his brother Connor, in aid of Brain Tumour Research.

Shay’s mum, Dawn, said: “His experience has made us determined to do all we can to support Brain Tumour Research in order to help improve treatment options for Shay and the many others like him who are facing an uncertain future.”

Burston Garden Centre’s fundraising activities so far have included donating £5 from the sale of every yellow magnolia, taking part in Wear A Hat Day, hosting a make and decorate an Easter hat event, and coffee mornings.

It is also being supported by the Burston Knitters (pictured below), who meet twice a month and are currently creating Jubilee-themed pieces to adorn the garden centre.

Upcoming events are to include a children’s pebble decorating event on 31st May during National Children’s Gardening Week, and on 1st June, children will be able to decorate royal crowns to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Staff will also don flower-covered hats on Friday 17th June in support of Wear a Hat Day with Flowers.

Jill Wharfe, a manager at Burston Garden Centre, said: “We’ve planned lots of events to support Brain Tumour Research and are particularly excited about Wear a Hat Day with Flowers – what could be a better fit than fundraising and flowers?”

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