A much-loved local volunteer has been celebrated at a new housing development in Shrewsbury, where he helped plant roses and inspired a significant charitable donation.
A Ceremony for Community and Growth
Brian Harper, aged 89, was the guest of honour at the Rose Place development, where he took part in a special planting ceremony. The veteran volunteer, renowned for his decades of service to the Lingen Davies Cancer Support charity, was invited by housebuilder David Wilson Homes.
The event saw fresh blooms added beside a peaceful seating area, creating a scenic spot for future residents to enjoy. It was more than just gardening, however, as the occasion also marked a generous £500 contribution from the developer to the cancer charity.
Honouring a Lifetime of Service
This donation serves as a fitting tribute to Brian Harper's remarkable dedication. His incredible efforts were recently recognised nationally when he was crowned 'Volunteer of the Year' at the prestigious Third Sector Awards in London.
Brian's distinguished background includes nearly 50 years of service in the Royal Army Medical Corps, where he rose to the rank of Major. Today, he remains a vital asset to Lingen Davies, handling everything from bucket collections to complex administrative duties.
"I’m tremendously proud to support the work of local charity Lingen Davies, and I enjoy my time in the office," Brian said. "It was such a surprise to be nominated... It was a very special day and one I won’t forget in a hurry."
Funding a Vital Local Healthcare Project
The £500 funding from David Wilson Homes will go directly towards the charity's ambitious Sunflower Appeal. This project aims to establish a brand-new Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford by 2029.
This expansion is expected to double the capacity for chemotherapy treatments across the region, ensuring patients in Shrewsbury and surrounding areas have access to vital services closer to home.
Helen Lewis, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome Brian to our Rose Place development. He’s the epitome of community, and his continued efforts to support Lingen Davies are inspiring."
Steph Smith, Head of Philanthropy at Lingen Davies, added her thanks for the donation and highlighted Brian's essential role: "We really couldn’t achieve many of the things we do without the tireless hard work and dedication of our fabulous volunteer force."
