Leckhampton Sue Ryder hospice property vandalised

Volunteer gardeners have been retrieving sentimental items out of the lake

The grounds of a hospice "sanctuary" have been vandalised ahead of an upcoming fundraiser.

Staff arrived at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice on Wednesday morning to find hand-sewn cushions and totem poles tossed into the lake.

This comes ahead of the Spring Fayre, a fundraiser for the charity which lets visitors come and enjoy the gardens.

Service director Elise Hoadley, called it a "senseless act" of "mindless vandalism".

The uprooted totem poles had been hand-painted to record the lives of hospice patients.

The cushions were donated by the hospice's volunteer sewing group to be placed in an arbour overlooking the lake, providing a peaceful spot space for patients, families, volunteers and staff.

Totem poles illustrating the life stories of hospice patients have been ripped from the ground

Elise Hoadley said, "It is quite unbelievable that we have suffered such mindless vandalism within our peaceful hospice grounds.

"Our gardens provide sanctuary for our patients, families, volunteers and supporters and those who come here to remember loved ones we have cared for.

"Not only this, but the senseless act has taken place a few days ahead of our fundraising Spring Fayre - a time when we open our grounds to visitors to come in, enjoy the gardens and help raise vital funds for dying and grieving people who need our charity's care and support," she added.

David Bills, head gardener at the hospice, said instead of making the final preparations for the fayre, his volunteers had been fishing items out of the lake.

"Being greeted by the sight of the vandalised grounds is a stark reminder of the disregard some hold for spaces that mean so much to others," he said.

"Our volunteer gardeners pour their hearts into these gardens, nurturing it as it has nurtured the spirits of those in our care. To see it marred in such a way is so disheartening."