Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, and for all the support you have shown our family.  We have decided on family flowers for Dad's funeral, and have this as our chosen charity.

Any monies raised will be for the benefit of the Maidstone Hospital Stroke Unit for the use of the development of a garden area for use by the staff and patients for both rest time and rehabiliatation.

Maidstone Hospital has almost become a second home for our family!  We cannot thank the staff enough for all they have done for us.  Hannah was taken in on the 2nd January following a large stroke and, with the exception of a couple of weeks at Kings, has been with them since that date.  Sadly, we were also faced with the news that Mum's cancer had returned.  Once again, the staff in the oncology department have really gone the extra mile to help us and Hannah regularly visits Mum whilst she is having her Chemotherapy.

Dad was rushed in unexpectedly.  The care and consideration shown to our family that night cannot be put into words.  Thanks to their efforts, Dad passed away with his wife and all three of his daughters nearby.  We have since been told that Dad's heart was too big - all of you that have known him will know how true that was, and we all really feel we want to do what he would want us to do - and make something positive come out of what has been a very difficult year.

There is a piece of land between the oncology department and the stroke ward that has been earmarked for development.  The plans are in place, but the quote was in excess of £16,500.00.  We are hoping to be able to bring that quote down considerably and thank you to all of you that have offered support either through your businesses or volunteering your time to help with the garden development.

The garden will be tarmac (for wheelchairs) with raised beds, and will be used as a part of the rehabilitation of stroke patients.  Hannah is keen to get started on the development of the horticultural side - but we need to get the groundwork completed too....

In addition, the staff from both the stroke ward and oncology have nowhere to sit quietly and eat lunch etc, and we are hoping the addition of another bench will enable them to have a much deserved rest at lunch time!  Dad always ensured the nurses were looked after, and would never visit without something in his hand for them - so we feel this is a really fitting tribute to him.  If we are lucky enough to have excess donations, we will ask that these go towards the upkeep of the garden or development of further outdoor spaces.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.