A COUPLE have created a unique sculpture trail in the ground of their farm in Chester.
Landscaper Matt Honeyborne and his wife Rachel were inspired to create the trail, including eight wooden sculptures, to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital after their daughter Olivia (age eight) received treatment there in 2020.
Born with a hole in her heart, Olivia underwent surgery when she was three years old. During the process, Matt and Rachel were bowled over by the care they received from the hospital staff and after Olivia made a full recovery, they were keen to give something back to help other families in the future.
Looking for something which would provide the hospital with donations over an extended period, Matt collaborated with his close friends, Simon and Liz O’Rourke, to write a children’s book, Fudge’s Evening Adventure.
Olivia’s miniature dachshund, Fudge, stars as the main character, and takes readers on a magical journey through Lower Farm to meet its residents, including a pony, a barn owl and Olivia herself.
The trio finished the book in 2021 and, following its popularity, Matt and Rachel decided to create a sculpture trail on the grounds of their farm for families and fans of the book to enjoy.
Taking the form of the animals Fudge meets in the book, the couple further enlisted the skill of Simon, who is a professional wood sculptor, to bring their vision to life.
Made from waste timber and standing stumps, Simon spent a number of months crafting the sculptures by hand and, since publishing the book, the couple have raised over £13,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
The trail is available exclusively to guests from across the UK who visit the four holiday cottages on their farm – The Shippon, The Hay Barn, The Parlour and The Dairy. Matt extensively converted the holiday homes himself five years ago using his experience as a landscaper and they are now available to book through Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Guests can also enjoy the wildlife cameras during their stay.
Matt Honeyborne, publisher of Fudge’s Evening Adventure and owner of Lower Farm, said: “We are forever grateful to the staff involved in Olivia’s care and writing the book has been an opportunity for us to give back to Alder Hey so they can help other families at their time of need.
“Our cheeky miniature dachshund, Fudge, was the perfect character for the story, as well as the abundance of local wildlife, and following conversations with our author Liz, we created a heartwarming tale which depicts life at Lower Farm.
“It feels fantastic to not only give back to the hospital, but also to the families who come and stay at our holiday cottages with the sculpture trail. We can’t wait to welcome more visitors who can enjoy the sculptures this summer!”
For more information on the trail and holiday homes, visit: https://www.fudgeseveningadventure.com/.
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