A FAMILY tragedy has led to a successful fund-raising tradition, on behalf of a local hospice.

Droitwich man, Paul Fletcher, aged 34, died in St Richard's Hospice in Worcester in December 2010, following a brave battle with cancer.

Since 2012, his family have made a point of opening the family garden for one day each year, with proceeds going to the hospice, which cared for Paul so well.

His father, John Fletcher said: To date, with garden openings and other events we have been able to donate over £ 13,000 to the hospice since Paul, died there

"The hospice staff were kind, considerate, professional, understanding and marvellous – as they are to all who enter their doors."

This year will be the third year in a row that the remarkable garden at Hireath, 30 Showell Road, Droitwich, can be enjoyed by visitors.

The date for the opening this year will be Sunday, June 29, from 2pm to 6pm.

The entrance fee will be £3 for adults, but children will get in free, with refreshments available at extra cost. All proceeds will be donated to St Richards Hospice.

Some plants and scarves will also be on sale, to help raise the grand total.

Mr Fletcher said: "We also open our garden under the National Gardens scheme (NGS) and have done so for over 10 years."

Hireath offers front and rear gardens and contains many unusual plants, a traditional cottage garden, herbaceous, hostas, ferns and even a 300 year old olive tree.

There are also arches, pool, waterfall, a 200 year old stile, oak sculptures, metal animals and birds.