ITV’s Midsomer Murders star Fiona Dolman unveils Greenfingers garden at Demelza hospice in Sittingbourne

By Asia Kane

An actress has opened a new garden to support youngsters with serious illnesses.

TV’s Midsomer Murders star Fiona Dolman, an ambassador for children’s charity Greenfingers, unveiled the organisation’s 66th garden at Demelza hospice in Rook Lane, Sittingbourne.

Actress Fiona Dolman, Greenfingers chairman Sue Allen, Demelza’s Hayley Richardson with Elke, who is supported by Demelza, and her mum Glynnis at the opening. Picture: Demelza

Demelza’s deputy chief executive Hayley Richardson said: “Outside space is incredibly important at Demelza – throughout the grounds, we have different spaces for different things, from fun and play to reflection and remembrance to adventure and making memories.

“A huge thanks go out to the team at Greenfingers – and their supporters – for funding this beautiful wildlife garden, which will be enjoyed by children, families, volunteers and staff for many years to come.”

Greenfingers has been designing gardens since 1999 to give young people in hospice care access to a green space to improve their wellbeing and mental health.

Sittingbourne’s Demelza was the site of their first-ever garden, which has now undergone a full redesign.

The new green area provides more habitat for wildlife, featuring bird and bat boxes, one of Kent’s largest bug hotels, and a bog garden which makes use of a redundant pond.

It was planned by professional landscape designers Andrew Fisher Tomlin and Dan Bowyer, and supported by Millbrook Garden Centres and The Peter Harrison Foundation.