The Growth Project is a joint venture between Rochdale and District Mind and Hourglass Environmental Ltd.

Based at a series of allotments in Kellett Street, the scheme promotes good mental and physical health by coordinating a variety of outdoor activities ranging from woodwork to tending vegetable plots.

The project provides a safe and supportive environment for more than 80 Rochdale residents with mental health problems.

The team are regular and enthusiastic contributors to Rochdale in Bloom and always go the extra mile to show our town in the very best light.

After major flooding last year, the team worked around the clock to ensure their allotments were in immaculate order to impress the Britain in Bloom judges.

Sadly, after the repair bill and other funding issues, the charity cannot afford to send its volunteers and service users to the Britain in Bloom awards evening in Southport in October.

I’ll be running the Rochdale Half Marathon on September 25th - hoping to raise enough to send The Growth Project team to the ceremony.

With your help, we can make sure everyone involved will get the recognition they deserve for all their hard work.

Thank you,

Simon Danczuk