People have one day left to visit the spectacular sight of 750,000 sunflowers in Dorset.
The Maiden Castle Farm Sunflower Trail in Dorchester is a spectacle to be seen and the last day to visit is Wednesday, August 16.
Half of the proceeds from the trail will go to the 'life saving' and 'supportive' Dorset County Hospital’s Special Care Baby unit (SCBU), which is a cause close to organiser Hazel Hoskin, as both of her sons were cared for by them.
She explained that: “If it wasn’t for the Special Care Baby Unit they wouldn’t be here.
“The first year that the sunflower trail opened marked the 18th birthday of my eldest son, he was born at just 26 weeks, and we were in the hospital for two and a half months.”
Her younger son, who is celebrating his 18th birthday this year, was also born eight weeks early.
Hazel explained that her sons were ‘happy’ and ‘smiley’ and that ‘it’s the only thing you could ever wish for as a parent.
Kate Hopkins, an Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at SCBU said: “We are so grateful and humbled by the generosity of the Hoskin family and the Dorset Sunflower trail, that they have chosen to support SCBU at DCH again this year.
“We believe that the work we do here not only provides lifesaving treatment, but also supports families at what can be the most stressful and worrying time. We strive to make their journey more bearable, caring for not just the baby, but the family as a whole by providing family centred care.
“The work we do now, not only makes an immediate difference and impact but does improve and support these babies as they grow and develop in the future.
“It is a privilege and honour to be part of the narrative in these families’ lives, and we hope that families think we make a difference.
“Having charitable donations and support from the community means, that in these hard economic times when NHS resources are stretched like never before, we can provide equipment, care and an environment that enhances and improves the babies and families experience of their time on Special Care.”
Kate recently visited the sunflower trail and spoke to members of the public, about the work they do and all about the equipment that previous donations from Maiden Castle Farm helped them to buy.
Hazel is encouraging people to 'come if they can in the last few days,' adding that 'cream teas are back by popular demand on Tuesday and Wednesday.'
She said: "Everybody has been enjoying themselves - it's been great."
Not including the money raised this year, Hazel has raised an incredible £37,000 for charitable causes as the first year the trail was open SCBU was the cause she chose to donate to and last year the beneficiaries were the Kingfisher Ward at DCH and Ukraine.
Entry to the trail is £5 and under 5s go free.
For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/MaidenCastleFarm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here