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Orphan's Garden Blooms: 30 Years of Charity
29 Jul
Summary
- Ann Lush has opened her garden for 30 years to help children.
- She has raised over £130,000 for The Children's Society.
- This year's event was the busiest, raising an estimated £3,000.
Ann Lush, an 86-year-old from Penarth, has spent three decades transforming her garden into a fundraising haven for The Children's Society. Inspired by her own childhood as an orphan raised by her grandmother, Lush promised to help any child she could and open her home to visitors. Since 1996, she and her late husband Dennis began the Penarth Open Gardens event, initially charging £1 per head.
This cherished tradition has now raised over £130,000, with this year's event marking its most successful and busiest period to date. An estimated 600 people visited Lush's garden over the recent weekend, contributing around £3,000, with final totals from all participating gardens still being calculated. Lush believes the garden's serene atmosphere draws visitors back year after year.
What began as a modest effort has surrealistically grown over 30 years, far exceeding Lush's initial expectations. The event now includes dozens of gardens, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to support a vital cause. Lush's commitment, recognized with an MBE, continues to make a significant impact on young people facing challenges.
