A Bury St Edmunds mum is in the running to win a garden transformation which would create a safe space for her two sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Jenny Marchant needs votes from the public to scoop the MyBuilder’s Magical Garden Makeover competition, which would enhance the lives of her sons – Alfred, 10, and Arthur, eight.
More than 30,000 votes have already been cast in the competition, with tradesman marketplace website MyBuilder.com working with Dobbies Garden Centre to give the winner a total garden transformation.
Jenny said: “My garden has been neglected because I’ve been busy adapting my house to accommodate my two disabled sons.
“Alfred and Arthur both have a severe muscle wasting disease called Duchenne muscular dystrophy which is terminal.
“Currently they are both still able to walk but are slowing down to the point that the slightest bump in the garden makes them fall over which is not good as that one fall could be the one that breaks a femur – resulting in them not recovering and going into their powered wheelchair sooner.
“This is quite possibly the last year they will be on their legs to enjoy their garden.
“They love being outdoors in the garden playing Frisbee, and rolling the ball to each other. They have no friends, only each other and their garden.
“I know they would love a space that they feel safe in without tripping on a twig or a stone and have a place they can plant strawberries and tomatoes.
“We can’t access the community very well so the garden is our outdoor sanctuary.”
To read Jenny’s story and vote for her to win the prize until May 20, visit www.mybuilder.com/competitions/garden-makeover-2018/entries/10382Another person in the running is Angie Underdown, also from Bury St Edmunds, who broke her back in 2008 before suffering a heart attack four years later.
Angie said: “In 2008 I broke my back on a hurdle while in Ghent. I recovered slowly and even got back into work.
“In 2012 I suffered a heart attack while running, but after treatment and hospital says I’m on the way back.
“Last year I started volunteering at my local hospice, both on the ward and in the day care centre. I also set up couch to 5k runs for people of all ages sizes and shapes.
“Two weeks ago I set up a run event in Newmarket , which is all voluntary.
“I love every minute of my day and week but wish I had time to dig and plant things in my garden. Due to my heart condition I cannot dig for long so everything takes time. It would be lovely to have it done.”
To vote for Angie, visit www.mybuilder.com/competitions/garden-makeover-2018/entries/9829
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