Digging Deep for a Good Cause: Volunteering at the Keech Hospice Garden

There are few things more rewarding than giving your time to a good cause, especially when it involves sunshine, soil, and a whole lot of sweat. Recently, a group of our Neville Funerals staff, as part of our 150 days of Volunteering to celebrate our 150th Anniversary, took on the challenge of sprucing up the gardens at our local hospice The Keech. While they might not be quitting their day jobs to become professional landscapers just yet, the experience was nothing short of fantastic (well… apart from the nettles and thorns).

 

Neville Funerals Senior Branch Manager Matt said: “From the moment we arrived, it was clear we were in for a warm day. We were welcomed by both Kate and Paul from the hospice, who set us to task to tackle some of the overgrown hedges and de-weed the pathways and flowerbeds. Our team were amazing and grafted away, hats off to each and everyone of them, as all gave 110% despite the heat making us feel like we were working in a greenhouse.

 

“Scratches, stings, and sweat aside, the day was an incredible reminder of the joy that comes from teamwork and doing something meaningful. It wasn’t just gardening; it was giving back in the best way we could—with time, effort, and a bit of laughter along the way. We left the hospice feeling pretty proud of ourselves (and maybe slightly sunburnt) and with a compliment from their head gardener, which by all accounts are not easily given out!

 

“To the entire team who attended, a big thank you, you were all amazing!”

 

 Below are some comments from all colleagues who attended –

  

Melissa – “I had fun 😊 although my hip says different this morning!”

 

Gregg – “It was a good day, and felt good to support such a great cause.”

 

Julia – “Thank you for including me in the gardening. I really enjoyed my time spent there, but more importantly it was good to be able to give something back and make a difference to such a valued place as the Keech.”

 

Phillipa – “Please can you let the Keech know that I loved my time there and thank them for the opportunity.”

 

Harry – “It’s been really rewarding to volunteer my time to help the hospice with their gardening. “