We choose to support The Jane Lloyd Fund for a very simple reason. Having experienced first-hand the stresses of a family member's diagnosis and treatment, we know the last thing anyone wants to be worrying about as well at that time is how to pay their bills. However, the reality is a cancer diagnosis is going to have a significant impact on anyone's financial position. The very roots and existence of the fund show us that.

As well as giving to the annual appeal, we have asked guests over the years in lieu of a birthday or hostess gift to instead make a donation to the Jane Lloyd Fund. Nice as they are, who really needs another scented candle! We began our mid-summer garden party during the Covid pandemic. With all their other fundraisers cancelled, a socially-distanced wander around the garden with a glass of wine in hand seemed like a win-win. Everyone seemed to have such a good time, we've done it every year since.

We didn't know Jane personally but I like to think she would like the idea of a garden helping others in the same predicament as her. It is really minimal effort for us but can make the world of difference to one of our neighbors at the most dark and a challenging time of their lives.

- David and Pom Shillingford