Florence gets her dream garden thanks to building firm's big-hearted gesture

A Tameside toddler with a life-limiting illness will soon have the garden of her dreams, thanks to the generosity of a local construction company.

Four-year-old Florence Croce was diagnosed with Late Infantile Gangliosidosis or GM1, a disorder that progressively destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal chord and has no known cure.

Since her diagnosis almost two years ago, Jenny and her friends and family have fundraised tirelessly for the Cure GM1 Foundation, as well as raising money to give Florence has many happy memories as possible.

Florence loves spending time outside and recently, fundraising has been ongoing to help make the garden at their home more accessible.

But Jenny soon hit a stumbling block. She explained: “The first quote we got was £13,000. That was just not achievable. We’re fundraising for it but that was just too much.”

But their luck changed one coffee morning at Reuben’s Retreat, where Jenny goes to meet other parents of children with life-limiting conditions.

Nicola Graham, Reuben’s mum and founder of Reuben’s Retreat, shared Jenny’s story with Building Projects Group, the Hadfield-based construction company who are currently carrying out three phases of the charity’s 10-phase masterplan.

The next day, Jenny was contacted by Adam Bell, the Managing Director of Building Projects Group, who later came round to view the garden and see if there was anything his company could do to help.

“I didn’t think much of it,” Jenny continued. “He came round, took a few pictures and took a few measurements. A few days later he rang me and his exact words were: “I’ve looked at your garden. We’re going to do it for you and all it’s going to cost is a box of teabags and a packet of bacon!”

“I couldn’t believe the kindness of people. He’s got a big team together who are doing it in their spare time over a few weekends in June. It’s not going to cost us anything and they’re going to make it beautiful for Florence. I’m still in shock!

“They’re just amazing, and to come and do it so soon as well. Time is of the essence for Florence because although she’s doing really well, she is regressing all the time. It’s absolutely incredible.”

Nicola Graham added: “While we’re not a wish charity, and our remit doesn’t stretch to something as extensive as a garden, I knew we’d be able to help.

“I approached our latest construction partners, Building Projects Group and the Managing Director, Adam Bell, was quick to say he’d do his best for Jenny and her beautiful children. What transpired blew us all away. I know they’re going to create something special for Jenny, Florence and her brother, Riccardo.”