A new retreat for children with cancer has seen a welcome boost from an Ayr garden centre.

Whiteley’s Retreat received almost £700 from Dobbies’ Helping Your Community Grow campaign.

The money will help transform the site of Whiteley’s Farm, which was recently acquired by BUYMSH, the charity responsible for the good work of Malcolm Sargent House.

In recent weeks, many volunteers from the charity have helped develop the old bothy-style building and farmhouse into what will be a vital haven offering complimentary therapeutic short breaks for families with cancer and other life altering illnesses in the UK.

Local students from Ayrshire College have also been on board with the project as they have tackled the bulk of the painting and papering as part of their modules in class.

Maxine Allan, CEO from Whiteley’s Retreat, said: “We are delighted with the support given by Dobbies in Ayr.

“The service and staff have been amazing and our Garden of Wellbeing at Whiteley’s is starting to look fantastic. Massive thanks to everyone.”

Dobbies’ donation will help provide a relaxing outdoor environment, plans for the garden development include instalment of new grass and stepping stones as well as a variety of trees and plants for those at Whiteley’s Retreat to enjoy.

Samantha McRoberts, Community Champion at Dobbies Ayr, said: “We have loved every second of working alongside Whiteley’s Retreat.

“The team are so kind and helpful in everything they do and the project will have such a positive impact for families.

“The local charity is well loved within our store and we were so pleased to see the transformation at the farm into a beautiful, much-needed retreat.”

For more information, visit www.dobbies.com/ about-dobbies/dobbies-int h e-co m m unit y / helping-your-community-grow/