A GROUP of garden owners and volunteers have raised more than £12,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Driftwood Fundraising Group raised money for the charity through a range of events, including an annual coastal garden trial, including gardens from Brighton and along the coast to Seaford - which raised over £8,000 alone.

Chairman of the Driftwood Fundraising Group and Seaford garden owner Geoff Stonebanks, said: “It is a great team effort from all the many garden owners on the trail over the years and the many supporters, visitors and volunteers.”

Almost 700 people visited Geoff’s own garden, Driftwood, which was a finalist in Gardeners’ World magazine’s best small space award - raising close to £5,000 from an entrance fee to the garden.

Many of those visited through a special two for one offer through the Gardeners’ World magazine.

“I have been blown away by several large donations made to me at Driftwood this summer, totalling almost £1,000.”

Geoff also raised £1,864 for the National Garden Scheme, which supports nursing and health charities, through three dedicated days at Driftwood.

Many visitors also bought Geoff’s tea and cakes when visiting, helping to boost their fundraising effort.

“This year I have baked almost 600 portions of cake to sell in the garden, with cappuccino cake being the firm favourite,” he said.

READ MORE: Macmillan: One in five with cancer cannot return to normal life on ‘freedom day’

The fundraising takes his running total of money raised for Macmillan since 2012 to £98,000, with a grand total of £152,400 raised for a range of charities by Geoff since 2009.

On social media, Macmillan in the South East said: “This is the most amazing amount raised. Your generosity means we can do more for all people with cancer.”

Geoff also expressed plans to continue the group’s fundraising next year.

Founded in 1911, Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the UK’s biggest charities, providing specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer, as well as advice for friends and family on looking after someone with the illness.

The charity opened The Horizon Centre in Brighton in 2017, the first information and support centre totally owned by Macmillan.

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