Gardeners help Rotherham Hospital Purple Butterfly Appeal fly

GREEN-fingered fundraisers have helped sow the seeds for a new Purple Butterfly room.
By Dave Doyle
Published 16th Oct 2017, 12:13 BST
Updated 16th Oct 2017, 12:18 BST
Receiving the cheque (second left) is Gabrielle Atmarow, chair of the Purple Butterfly Appeal, from (left to right) Sally Moffett, Andy Gooding, Alistair Hammond, Sarah Hague and Kieth Dodson, members of Rotherham In Root and volunteers for the NHS Rotherham Foundation Trust. 171748Receiving the cheque (second left) is Gabrielle Atmarow, chair of the Purple Butterfly Appeal, from (left to right) Sally Moffett, Andy Gooding, Alistair Hammond, Sarah Hague and Kieth Dodson, members of Rotherham In Root and volunteers for the NHS Rotherham Foundation Trust. 171748
Receiving the cheque (second left) is Gabrielle Atmarow, chair of the Purple Butterfly Appeal, from (left to right) Sally Moffett, Andy Gooding, Alistair Hammond, Sarah Hague and Kieth Dodson, members of Rotherham In Root and volunteers for the NHS Rotherham Foundation Trust. 171748

The gardeners raised £800 for the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, which is collecting for a new hospital unit for patients at the end of their lives.

More than 100 Eastwood Primary School students nurtured sunflower seeds into miniature plants alongside Rotherham In Root.

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The community organisation encourages people to grow their own vegetables, fruit and flowers.

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    The plants were sold for £1 each by Rotherham In Root and volunteers from The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.

    Volunteer Sally Moffett, who coordinated the fundraiser, said: “It’s been an absolute joy to sow our sunflower seeds and sell the plants once again for the Purple Butterfly Appeal.

    “We’ve had some amazing growers of all ages, working hard to nurture the sunflowers whatever the weather.”

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    The pleasant yellow plants came in a range of varieties — including teddy bears and happy smiles.

    They were sold at Rotherham Hospital, the Garden Lovers’ Fair in the town centre and the Rotherham Show. 

    “We had a great deal of interest from patients, their families and friends,” said Sally.

    “Thank you to everyone who has supported our fundraising or who bought a sunflower because every sale spurred us on to raise more money.

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    “We hope everyone has really enjoyed watching their seeds or tiny shoots bloom.”

    Gabby Atmarow, chair of the charitable funds committee, said: “The sunflower sale is such a wonderful fundraising appeal, which goes from strength to strength every year.

    “We’re absolutely delighted that so many people have supported our volunteers and Rotherham In Root by purchasing a sunflower or seeds.

    “Thank you to all our volunteers and to everyone at Rotherham In Root for your support and enthusiasm.”

    For more information about the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity please visit www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/charity, email [email protected] or call 01709 426821.