Garden centre to host fundraising family entertainment day for hospice

The event is Gates Garden Centre, at Cold Overton, on Sunday June 14, with vintage cars, animals, a fire engine display, circus skills, an assault course, children’s rides, face painting and lots of other activities.

It all starts at 10am and runs through until 4pm, with tickets also available for a luxury prize draw offering a range of impressive prizes.

Speaking about the event, co-owner Nigel Gates said: “LOROS is a vital part of the fabric of Rutland and Leicestershire, and the work they do is invaluable.

"Our Gates team voted unanimously to support them this year.

"Please come along, enjoy the attractions, buy a raffle ticket, take part in the activities and help us raise as much money as possible for this wonderful charity."

There will be over 100 vintage cars on display and an opportunity to meet the Cirquoise circus team, feed carrots to the UK's smallest pony, watch a pony show and try your hand at circus skills.

Visitors can also talk to members of the Leicestershire Rural Policing Team and test out the sirens.

And, from 11am to 1pm, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will be displaying a fire engine and offering fire safety advice.

Every year, LOROS cares for around 2,500 terminally ill patients and their families across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

The hospice relies heavily on fundraising and donations, with annual running costs exceeding £8M.

Emma Jones, supporter engagement lead at the charity, said: "It is so uplifting to see Gates raising much-needed funds for the hospice.

"We would like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

“Our dedicated, generous and creative community supporters never fail to inspire us.

“Only through the support of organisations like Gates and the wider community can we continue making a difference to people facing the most difficult times in their lives.”

Tickets for the prize draw cost £5 each with a chance to win lots such as a £999 garden sofa set, a luxury hampers and an overnight stay and dinner for two at The George Hotel of Stamford.

Buy tickets at gatesgardencentre.co.uk at the tills or on the day of the event.