Garden centre's Â£25k donation to charity

Matthew Dickinson, Head of Indoor Retail at the garden centre, with his son Isaac, Matthew Bent (owner of the centre) and his son, and Emily Clough who is a massive supporter of the Trust. She has two young boys with Cystic Fibrosis

Bents of Glazebury near Leigh smashed its target of £12,000 for the charity, which is its chosen cause of the year.

Matthew Dickinson, who is head of indoor retail at the centre just off the East Lancashire road, is the brains behind the fund-raising efforts.

He was this week praised by the charity for his extraordinary money-spinning efforts.

Matthew’s son Isaac, who is nearly two years old, has cystic fibrosis which is a life-shortening genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestion system.

Half of those who die from the condition are aged 28 or younger.

Matthew said: “Cystic fibrosis is a cause very close to my heart and that’s why I wanted to do something to raise lots of money for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

“Everyone at the centre got totally behind it and I’m so overwhelmed and delighted that we’ve raised such a staggering amount of money for a cause which sadly affects thousands of people.”

The money was raised through various fund-raising challenges by staff members including Born Survivor and the Great Manchester Run, as well as a hugely successful ball.

Serena Wilson, community development fund-raising manager for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust commended Matthew’s efforts in raising money for the charity.

She said: “Matthew’s hard work and dedication to the Trust has been phenomenal.

“We are truly thankful for all the money raised.

“This will enable the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to invest in cutting-edge research to develop better treatments.

“It will also provide support to those with cystic fibrosis and their families and help the Trust to drive up standards in medical care.”

You can show your support to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust by texting TEAMCF to 70700 to give £5.