Six acres of Green Belt land in Pill, Somerset have been donated to the charity Penny Brohn UK to be used as a tranquil and restorative area where people living with cancer can enjoy the beauty of the natural environment.

Penny Brohn UK is a national charity, funded by public donations that provides free care to everyone living with cancer, before, during and after treatment.

The land, originally part of the historic Ham Green House Estate and later part of Ham Green Hospital grounds, adjoins the therapeutic gardens at the Penny Brohn UK National Centre. These gardens are extensively used by people with cancer and their families as a place to relax from the stress and anxiety they may be experiencing.

Andrew Hufford, Commercial Director of Penny Brohn UK, said: 

“From a heritage perspective the land is coming home and will be once again part of our estate. The gardens and outdoor space are a big part of what we do at our national centre; giving people with cancer and their families the chance to explore nature, find peace and quiet in a unique and special environment.

“This land will form an extension to our therapeutic garden and will be kept as a less formal piece of countryside. This addition to our existing site brings with it an abundance of extra views across open rolling hills towards the historic grade 2 listed Leigh Court, glimpses of the many species of wildlife whose habitat includes the serene Ham Green Lake which forms an idyllic backdrop to this land.”

Ham Green Lake will continue to be used by the local fishing community, who seek the same attributes of peace and tranquillity that are compatible with Penny Brohn UK’s aims.

The land purchase will double the charity’s current footprint and enable it to provide an even greater therapeutic experience for its cancer clients. It was primarily funded through an anonymous gift to the charity, but a fundraising campaign has been set up by local people in Pill and Ham Green to cover an additional £17,000.

The fundraising campaign can be found on Just Giving: www.justgiving.com/campaign/PennyBrohnUK