Potsford Farm, in Letheringham, is raising vital funds for Zest this Christmas through hosting a raffle and Christmas card donations in aid of the young adult service.
Based near Wickham Market, Potsford Farm is an accredited care farm for those who have a learning disability and/or mental health needs. The individuals who attend the farm are called Co-farmers as they care for the land and animals alongside the staff. The farm is set in around 200 acres of Suffolk Countryside and it breeds Red Poll cattle, pigs, sheep and goats.
Each year one co-farmer is awarded Co-farmer of the Year. This could be for helping others, for working extra hard or developing new skills. They get to choose a charity for us to support each Christmas and this year they chose to support Zest as one of their peers uses the service.
Anthony McGenn, Deputy Manager at Potsford Farm, said: “Each year one Co-Farmer is awarded Co-Farmer of the year and they get to choose our Christmas charity. This year, the winner and his Mum chose Zest because one of his peers attends the hospice.
“We have contacted some local businesses asking them to donate prizes that we can raffle and we ask people to donate to the chosen charity rather than sending each other Christmas cards. We are coming up with a fun way to display our Christmas messages!
“Zest is such a vital service in our local area and it is always a pleasure to see George at the farm and we know, from him and his family, how much he enjoys his visit to Zest, so we were keen to support Zest in any way we could.”
Part of the St Elizabeth Hospice Group, since 2015, Zest has provided specialist medical and social support services to young adults, aged 14 and upwards, living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses, while also ensuring the smooth transition from children’s hospice into adult care.
Kelly Nekrews, Community Fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Thank you so much to Potsford Farm for supporting Zest this Christmas. We know how much many of young adults enjoy visiting your farm and every penny you raise will make such a difference to Zest this festive season.”
Find out more about Potsford Farm by visiting www.potsfordfarm.co.uk.