Gardener's marathon sponsorship bid

A KEEN gardener from Warrington is throwing open his gates to the public in an attempt to raise sponsorship money for his daughter’s London Marathon next year.
Robert Bilton, from Park House, Park Lane, Walton, will be charging just £2.50 for people to walk around his two-acre landscaped garden
All the proceeds will be donated as sponsorship for his daughter Jane Bilton, who will be running the London Marathon in aid of the Neuromuscular Centre in Winsford.
Artist Jane, 24, has already raised half of her target of £1,200 for the centre and is hoping her dad’s garden can help her edge even nearer to the total.
She said: “My dad is very proud of his garden and works endlessly on it, keeping it immaculate all year round.
“I thought it was about time we shared all his efforts and hard work with others so they could enjoy it to. It’s two acres of beautifully landscaped garden set in 14 acres of Walton’s countryside, boasting a large fish pond, fountains, shaped lawns, and an array of wild and wonderful flowers.
“Neuromuscular Centre is just a charity a friend and I decided on after going down to see what they do. They do a fantastic job and it is a really worthwhile cause.”
Founded in 1990, the centre provides a range of unique services and specialist advice with the sole aim of improving the quality of life for adults with neuromuscular conditions.
Jane is planning further fundraising events to try and raise support, but for the time being she is concentrating on training.
“I’ve been running for a few years now, but this is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this. My training regime is pretty gruelling,” she said.
The garden will be open on Saturday, August 16, from 10am to 5pm.
For more information contact Jane on 01925 263025.
Picture shows Jane in her dad’s garden.