Award-winning children’s cancer charity Supershoes has announced they will have an Artisan garden at RHS Chelsea this year, aptly named “Laced with Hope.”
Sarah White, Founder of the Milton Keynes-based charity said: “This is a tremendous opportunity to raise awareness of childhood cancer, giving a voice to the 11 children diagnosed every day in the UK, whilst highlighting the work our charity does nationally to empower these young people.”
Designed by Kent-based Laura Anstiss, the garden gives an insight into the emotions felt by a child diagnosed with cancer, taking their own steps on the challenging journey through treatment. The message is very much one of thoughts, wishes and hope intertwined with the mix of emotions that the child, together with their family, go through at such a time.
The use of sculpture, shapes, texture and colours in the garden is a beautiful representation of how the charity itself uses artwork to uplift a child who has been diagnosed with cancer and a tribute to the time and talent that over 300 volunteer artists give to this cause every single time they sit down to design and paint customised shoes for individual children, unique to each child.
Designer Laura, who has also displayed her considerable creative talents working alongside Alan Titchmarsh and the team on ITV’s Love Your Garden, said: “I have always aspired to design a garden at RHS Chelsea, the world’s greatest flower show, and Supershoes’ inspiring mission to empower children battling this terrible disease is both incredibly important and touching.My aim is to bring beauty, strength and fun together in the design of the garden and to send the compelling message that children need to hold onto their identity and express themselves, especially when they’re going through the biggest challenge of their young lives.”
The garden is sponsored by Frosts Garden Centres, whose flagship site is in Woburn Sands.
The Laced with Hope garden will be built by 2016 Chelsea gold medal winner Frosts Landscape Construction, whose Managing Director, Ken White, is also a Trustee for the Charity. Ken said: “The team at Frosts are looking forward to building the Laced with Hope Artisan Garden. The charity has been supported by Frosts Landscapes since its inception.”
For more information about Supershoes please visit www.supershoes.org.uk
