RESIDENTS of a North Yorkshire village are opening their gardens up to the public to raise money for St Leonard’s Hospice.

 

The annual Riccall Open Gardens, run by Riccall Support Group, have become a well-established fixture in locals’ calendars.

 

This year, the event takes place on Sunday, July 2 from midday until 5pm.

 

Karen and Brian Keen run Riccall Support Group and are long-standing supporters of the hospice.

 

Karen said, “The Open Gardens is a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon walking around beautiful gardens and raising money for a very worthwhile cause.”

 

Sue Edwards, fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, said: “We are so grateful to Karen, Brian and the Riccall Support Group for their continued help and fundraising for us.

 

"The majority of the hospice running costs have to be raised from donations and fundraising by businesses, groups and individuals, so we really appreciate all of the fantastic support we receive from the local community.”

 

Entry costs £2, which includes entry to at least 10 open gardens, refreshments, a craft fair and tombola on the village green.

 

Programmes can be bought on the day from the village green or any of the gardens that are open.

 

All proceeds will go to St Leonard's Hospice in Tadcaster road, York.

 

Hospice care is free of charge to patients and their families but does not receive direct funding.

 

The charity relies on the generosity of the public to help raise just over the £5 million it costs each year to run St Leonard’s Hospice.

 

This equates to £574 an hour.

 

St Leonard’s Hospice is an independent charity, providing specialist palliative care and support for local people with life-limiting illnesses. Support is offered at the In-patient Unit, the Sunflower Centre and the Hospice@Home service.