Alexa Blackmore, assistant manager of Brimsmore Gardens, has now raised over £12,000 for Greenfingers Charity, which creates therapeutic outdoor spaces for children’s hospices across the UK, as she makes her final preparations to climb Mount Kilimanjaro next week. Naomi and Jacks in Winchester, which provides expert care for seriously ill babies, children and young adults, will be the recipient of the money, so it can replace its small paved area with a vibrant and fully accessible outdoor space.

As well as receiving sponsorship through a Just Giving page for the 10-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek, Alexa has also held fundraising events at Brimsmore Gardens, which is part of The Gardens Group, including quiz nights, family events and restaurant specials. Alexa will be embarking on the zero-luxury adventure with 22 people from the gardening industry around the UK. Collectively the team aims to raise £200,000 to cover the cost of the Naomi and Jacks hospice garden.

Alexa will begin the Mount Kilimanjaro trek on Wednesday 10 June, trekking the Lemosho route, the longest and most scenic route, spanning five distinct climate zones.

Sponsorship donations can still be made at justgiving.com/page/alexasarahkilimanjarogreenfingers and each of The Gardens Group’s garden centres continue to collect donations at the tills.