Staff from Standard Bank have transformed a derelict area at Manx Cancer Help’s new premises in Cronkbourne into a peaceful garden.
The project was funded by Standard Bank as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations and staff volunteered up to 12 hours a day over two days to carry out the ground work to create a smooth, level garden area which will be used by staff and visitors to the centre all year through. Together they moved 6.5 ton of sand and top soil, planted 150 bulbs and 170 shrubs, laid a lawn, built a pergola on a flagstone patio and a stepping stone pavement.
The new garden area was officially opened at 10am on Wednesday 31st October 2012, by John Coyle CEO of Standard Bank and Andrea Chambers from Manx Cancer Help.
John Coyle, CEO of Standard Bank Isle of Man, said: “Each year our team volunteer their time to help with a worthwhile community initiative and I am very pleased to say that our staff outdid themselves over the two day project this year. The results of their hard work have made a real difference to the external area at The Lisa Lowe centre and the garden area will only improve as the shrubs and plants grow. This year we are celebrating 150 years of the Standard Bank Group and it was our pleasure to mark our anniversary in such a meaningful way which delivers tangible benefits to our community.”
Andrea Chambers from Manx Cancer Help said: “We are very grateful for the support from Standard Bank to improve the outside area of our new centre. The transformation has been remarkable and is a very welcome gift for our staff and guests at the centre. We are overwhelmed that so many of the staff gave up their time for this project and are absolutely thrilled with the results. All of the visitors to the Centre will benefit from this beautiful sanctuary that Standard Bank has created.”
Manx Cancer Help is a Manx charity whose primary remit is to provide free and confidential specialist counselling and psychological support to anybody whose life has been affected by cancer.
Picured are the team from Standard bank with Manx Cancer Help representatives:
• Front row: Chris Wilson, Simon Buckerfield, Cheryl Walker, Ally Martin (Manx cancer help) & John Stringer (professional advisor).
• Back Row: Chris Smethurst, Michael Oates, Dick Callin, Kayleigh Burgess, Clive Walsh, John Coyle (CEO of Standard Bank), Andrea Chambers (Manx cancer help CEO), Janice Turnbull (with Trust and also the Manx cancer help Chairperson), Bob Borland & Greg Hutchinson.
