Parkinson’s charity with local roots launches tree planting campaign with Micklefield Hall
Croxley founded charity Cure Parkinson’s has launched Planting for a Cure, a new campaign which will allow up to 500 trees to be planted and dedicated to those who have pledged to leave a gift to Cure Parkinson’s in their Will. The Planting for a Cure woodland has been kindly donated by Anna and Jamie Rankin, the owners of Micklefield Hall in Sarratt.
The woodland is a dedicated area with space for 500 trees, created to recognise the gifts made by donors to Cure Parkinson’s and also in recognition of the Queen’s Green Canopy to celebrate her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. The woodland lies amidst the stunning grounds of the Micklefield Hall estate, a well-loved wedding and events venue.
On Monday 14th March, the campaign was launched at Micklefield as the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss CBE CStJ planted the final tree in the ground.
Planting for a Cure is quite literally bringing Cure Parkinson’s back to its roots, as Micklefield Hall has long-term connections with the charity. In its early years, Cure Parkinson’s was run by a small team from an office on the estate. The charity is hugely grateful to Anna and Jamie Rankin for maintaining this wonderful connection and donating the land.
When a pledge is made to leave a legacy in a Will, a tree in the wood will be dedicated to the donor or their loved one. The name will also be inscribed on a tablet to be erected at the entrance to the wood. Twice a year, the woodland will be opened for guests to see how their commitment is helping to change both the natural landscape, and the landscape of research into a cure for Parkinson’s.
“We are leaving no stone unturned to find cures for Parkinson’s. We hope that before the trees in our legacy wood have grown too many inches, we will be able to share encouraging breakthroughs.”
Helen Matthews, Deputy CEO of Cure Parkinson’s
“We are thrilled to help this wonderful charity. We have been involved with Cure Parkinson’s since its launch here in 2005 so we feel a special connection. We also love trees (and the Queen!) so this is definitely a win win project for us.”
Anna Rankin, Owner and Manager of Micklefield Hall