Boningale Nurseries has been pledging its support for a Midland hospice that cares for people with life-limiting illnesses.

The Albrighton-based company has not only donated bulbs and plants to spruce up the gardens at Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge, Boningale’s Sales Director Frank Sandford has also recently raised over £1300 for the charity by taking part in a tandem skydive.

Boningale Nurseries teamed up with staff from MITIE Group, who carried out the landscaping work, to improve the gardens at the Hagley Road hospice, which has offered specialist care for people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses since 1991.

Frank said: “Mary Stevens Hospice does incredible work and we were only too happy to support its work by providing plants and bulbs for its gardens that will offer a welcome splash of colour for patients and visitors. We will also be continuing to raise funds for the Hospice later on in the year, at the company’s annual Plant Sale in September.

He also said the charity sky dive has helped him face his fear of heights and raised much-needed funds for the hospice.

“It may seem odd to skydive when you are afraid of heights, but I’ve supported the hospice for a few years and this seemed like a good way to face my fears and raise money for the charity,” he explained.  “Plus, with the help of my daughter Isabella, who agreed to do a tandem skydive at the same time, we’ve been able to exceed our original targets of raising £400 each, which is brilliant.”

Frank and Isabella recently presented the cheque for £1,366.80 to Sue Davison, Fundraising Assistant at Mary Stevens Hospice, who said: “This is a very welcome and thoughtful donation, and we thank Boningale for their continued support.

Frank and Isabella should both be justifiably proud of their efforts, as this money will help to give someone a better quality of life at a time when they need it most.”