People are being asked to make donations to sponsor a bluebell wood at Beacon Park, Lichfield, in what is believed to be the only initiative of its kind in Britain.
The carpet of bluebells is the idea of the Tamworth and Lichfield Committee for Cancer Research UK and is being created in partnership with Lichfield District Council.
The aim is to raise at least £5,000 for CRUK’s Birmingham Institute for Cancer Research, which spends nearly £9 million a year on its lifesaving work.
People can take part in the planting and sponsor the wood from 11am on Sunday 11 March 2012. They can also donate online at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/bluebellwood before or at any time after the event and add their names to a list of donors.
Committee Chair, Kirsty Allen, said: “We want to raise awareness of the fantastic work of the world’s largest cancer charity, which people can support by making donations and have the opportunity to make dedications to loved ones who have been touched by cancer. The bluebell wood will grow each year as the plants multiply.”
Committee members and CRUK’s Midland Action Team will be involved in the planting. A dedication plaque will also be installed next to the bluebell wood.
Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, added: “Beacon Park already has a number of bluebells dotted around, but we’re delighted the woodland will be home to a stunning carpet of bluebells and that this project will help to raise money for an important charity.
“We hope lots of local people join in with the bulb planting, as it will be both a rewarding and fun day. I’m really looking forward to seeing the flowers in bloom and I’m sure it will encourage even more of our park visitors to discover the woodland walk.”
Members of the committee, who come from Lichfield, Burntwood, Tamworth and Cannock, have raised more than £10,000 through a variety of activities since it was formed in September 2009.
Cancer Research UK supports research in all aspects of the disease through the work of more than 4,800 scientists, doctors and nurses across the UK who have contributed to 19 of the top 20 drugs used to treat cancer patients worldwide today.
Anyone who would like to be involved with the committee can contact Kirsty Allen on 07790 837601 or emailtamworthlichfield4cruk@yahoo.co.uk
The nearest car park to the planting site is at Greenhough Road, off Beacon Street, Lichfield (www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/carparkmap).
