Sometimes, it’s only when we stop for a moment and look around that we realise just how much has changed.

The flowers are blooming, the trees have grown a little taller, new friendships have formed, incredible acts of kindness have taken place… and our little charity has continued to flourish because of the people who believe in what we’re creating.

It’s been a little while since our last update, so we thought we’d take this opportunity to share some of the moments that have made this summer so special.

We’d like to start by saying a huge thank you to Harry and his friends from Warranty Solutions Group, who recently took on the incredible Three Peaks Challenge.

Together, they raised an amazing £2,270, generously splitting the funds between The Children’s Memorial Garden and Mind.

To everyone who climbed, donated, shared the fundraiser or cheered them on from afar… thank you. Your kindness will help us continue creating a peaceful place of remembrance, love and hope for bereaved families.

One of the highlights of our summer was taking ‘Pulling with Purpose’ to Vanlove ’26, bringing people together in support of The Children’s Memorial Garden & Food Bank.

Throughout the weekend, teams took on the challenge of pulling a motorhome across the event field, with some determined individuals even taking on the impressive feat alone! Visitors also got involved by pulling a car, with every entry helping to raise vital funds for the charity. Together, an incredible £1,160 was raised for the garden.

Alongside the fundraising, we were also reminded why events like these are so important. Throughout the weekend, members of our team spoke with people who had stopped to watch the challenge unfold. Some shared stories about loved ones they had lost, while others spoke openly about the stigma that can still surround grief and just how important it is to have spaces where those conversations are welcomed.

Not everyone was in a position to donate, but many simply wanted to stop, talk and share their experiences. Those conversations were every bit as valuable to us, and we truly admire everyone who felt able to open up. If The Children’s Memorial Garden & Food Bank can help even one person feel they have permission to remember, grieve and heal in their own way, then we’re making a difference.

Watching people encourage one another, share their stories and quite literally pull together was a wonderful reminder of the kindness that exists within our communities, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, stopped by or supported us throughout the weekend.

While visitors often see the beauty and tranquillity of the gardens, there’s always so much happening behind the scenes.

We’ve loved welcoming work experience students over recent months, who have spent time painting, pruning and helping us care for the garden. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to get stuck in has been wonderful to see, and we hope they leave with memories they’ll treasure.

The recent spell of hot weather has also kept our volunteers busy. From watering flower beds and caring for plants to maintaining pathways and keeping everything looking its very best, it’s been a real team effort. Every hour given helps ensure the garden remains a peaceful sanctuary for the families who need it most.

As part of our commitment to supporting the wider community, we’ve also continued making regular donations to One Can Trust, because kindness doesn’t stop at the garden gates.

We’ve also had the privilege of welcoming a variety of local visitors and community groups into the garden over the last few months. Watching people discover the space, spend quiet moments reflecting and simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings continues to remind us why this place matters so much.

Behind the scenes, our partnership with Risborough Rangers has also continued to grow. We’re working together on some exciting new opportunities that we can’t wait to share with you very soon… so keep your eyes peeled!

One of the most exciting moments for us this summer has been welcoming two very special additions to The Children’s Memorial Garden & Food Bank family: Charity and Hope.

These beautiful ponies have already started settling into life at the garden, and we couldn’t be happier to have them here.

Anyone who has spent time around horses will know just how much comfort they can bring. Their gentle nature, quiet companionship and calming presence can often say more than words ever could, and we hope Charity and Hope become a reassuring part of the garden for every family who visits, bringing moments of peace, connection and joy along the way.

As they continue to settle in, we’ll begin preparing them for their carriage driving education. Our vision is to one day offer gentle carriage rides along the garden track, giving families another peaceful way to experience the beauty, tranquillity and therapeutic nature of the gardens.

We’re incredibly excited for what’s to come and look forward to sharing Charity and Hope’s journey with you as they become a much-loved part of our charity family.

As the garden continues to grow, so does our wonderful community, and we’d love for more people to become part of it.

We’re currently looking for weekend volunteers to help care for the gardens. Whether you enjoy gardening, practical tasks, welcoming visitors or simply lending a helping hand, every hour you give helps us keep this special place looking its very best for the families who visit.

We’re also excited to begin building a small equestrian volunteer team to support Charity and Hope as they begin their carriage driving education.

If you have experience with horses, whether that’s groundwork, long reining, carriage driving or building confidence with young horses, we’d love to hear from you. Your knowledge, patience and time could help us bring this exciting new chapter to life.

Whether you can spare a few hours each month or would like to become a regular volunteer, there is a place for everyone at The Children’s Memorial Garden & Food Bank.

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering, we’d love to hear from you.

Lower Icknield Way
Princes Risborough
Buckinghamshire
HP27 9RL

07550 047203

Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 18:30
Saturday & Sunday: 08:00 – 16:00

Alternatively, feel free to send us a message through our social media channels, and a member of the team will be happy to chat about how you can get involved.

Together, we are creating somewhere that holds both remembrance and renewal, a place where love continues to grow.