Practical Support

In addition to fundraising for Sebastian’s House the Trust has been working to provide practical support for families and finding ways to meet their individual needs.

EARLIER this summer a kick-around in his back garden was out of the question for young cancer patient Sean Gold.

But the football-mad youngster can now enjoy his favourite past-times thanks to the generosity and hard work of local businesses, who transformed the overgrown and uneven garden at his family’s Windsor home.

Nine-year-old Sean had his left leg amputated earlier this year in a bid to stop the spread of osteosarcoma – a form of bone cancer. But weeks later his family learnt the tumours had spread to his lungs.

In July, Sebastian’s Action Trust launched an appeal to dramatically improve Sean’s garden. The appeal received a huge response with offers of support coming from businesses, organisations and individuals in Bracknell, Ascot, Windsor and Maidenhead.

Seven weeks later the garden had been stripped out, a summer house put up where he can play pool, the garden had been levelled and turfed. A path had been put in, shrubs planted, decking laid and garden furniture purchased.

Sean marked the completion of the garden by planting rose bushes called Sweet Memories and Sweet Dreams which he had chosen for his mum Carol and sister Zoe. And some of those who had contributed visited the garden.

Jane Gates Director of Sebastian’s Action Trust said: “We are thrilled with the response to our appeal for help and are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed. We know the garden will allow Sean to do the activities he enjoys such as kicking a football and will give him the opportunity to spend precious time outdoors with his mum, his sister Zoe and other family and friends.”

Sean’s mum Carol said: “It’s absolutely gorgeous I can’t believe the difference – Sean is out on the trampoline and he plays football now. I would like to thank all those who donated from the bottom of our hearts – it really means a lot.”

Derek Culley, owner of Oaktree Nursery in Warfield which has donated more than £1,000 of goods and labour free for the garden said that when his staff heard about Sean’s appeal they were all keen to help.

He said: “It was nice to help someone directly rather than giving money to a concern and not know if the people in need received it or got the full benefit. Ever since I’ve had grandchildren I’ve looked more to helping young people.”

Joanna Chin, Director of Windsor-based advertising company Langland which donated more than £2,000 towards the landscaping costs, said: “A garden equipped for Sean to play in seemed such a small thing to ask for a boy who has so much to cope with. I knew that we would be able to help, so I contacted Sebastian’s Action Trust.”

Martin Smith of Crowthorne Fencing Supplies in London Road, Ascot, which provided a summer house and other building materials at a reduced cost, said they had been pleased to help and hopes Sean gets a lot of pleasure from his garden.

Sebastian’s grandparents Vic and Pam Walters donated state of the art gas barbecue.

Among the other Bracknell businesses that supported the appeal were Stoneworld at Moss End Garden Centre in Warfield who donated 20 bags of pebbles and further bags at a reduced price, Homebase who provided a water butt and hoses, Wickes who provided log roll and Moss End garden centre who provided planted containers.

Bracknell News reader Bernie Duffield also paid for a swing bench for Sean.

Sean’s Garden contributors

Oaktree Nursery, Warfield, provided more than £1,000 of labour, materials and services free.

Crowthorne Fencing Supplies, in Ascot, provided a summer house and handrail materials at a reduced price.

Stoneworld, Warfield in Bracknell, provided 20 bags of pebbles free and another 19 at a reduced price.

Moss End Garden Centre, Warfield in Bracknell, provided two planted containers free of charge

Homebase, Bracknell, provided water butt, hose and sprinkler hose to keep turf watered during water restrictions

Wickes, Bracknell, provided 12m of log roll free

Bernie Duffield from Ascot provided a swing bench (through Bracknell News)

Ladds Garden Village, Bath Road, Hare Hatch, - Designed the garden free of charge

Langland -Windsor-based advertising company sponsored the landscaping costs of more than £2,000 (through Windsor Observer).

British Gas Business, Windsor, provided garden table, six chairs and parasol (Through Windsor Observer).

Waitrose, Windsor, provided £50 voucher

Windsor Housing got in touch with C&D and Maidenhead Garden Help Services - also painted the house and sprayed the fence

C&D Facilities and Ground Maintenance - provided and laid turf but also provided labour to build handrail free of charge.

Maidenhead Garden Help Service, Maidenhead, - built a path free of charge.

Squires Garden Centres donated £10