Ridgeons has donated much needed materials and tools to Suffolk charity Eden-Rose Coppice, in support of its latest woodland transformation project.

Eden-Rose Coppice, a Suffolk-based charity that supports people living with cancer, terminal illnesses and children with behavioural and learning disabilities, has begun turning a neglected 3 ½ acre woodland area into an inspirational end-of-life retreat and children's educational centre.

In conjunction with its premium supplier, Toolbank, Ridgeons has donated over 30 products by manufacturer Faithfull Tools. Jo Brooks, manager at Eden-Rose Coppice, said: “We are really excited to have started work on our new Ipswich site and can’t thank Ridgeons enough for its on-going support and tool donation. Using our Sudbury site as a blueprint, we have been busy tackling the densely overgrown, rubbish-strewn woodland to transform the site into an indoor woodland area and skills centre.

“We are continually working to develop Eden-Rose Coppice as a safe, stress-free refuse for people affected by critical illness in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex. Our 3 ½ acre Sudbury site was the first sanctuary of its kind in the UK, and since opening, it has offered more than 150 people with terminal illnesses to enjoy some form of solace with their families in the wood. And we can’t wait to achieve the same level of success at our new site in Ipswich.”

The regeneration of the woodland area will be completed by volunteers, including terminally ill and disabled adults and children in a bid to teach them new skills and engender a sense of community and comradery. The Ipswich sanctuary is estimated to be open to families by February 2016.

Director of Ridgeons, Gordon Ridgeon, said: “Throughout the past eight years, Ridgeons has supported Eden-Rose Coppice, as the charity continues to take over areas of disused woodland from the local council and develop it to build free sanctuaries for vulnerable children and people living with terminal illnesses. It is really moving to see the work achieved by disabled and cancer patients, some aged between only seven and 14. This is a fantastic charity and we are honoured to be able to offer a helping hand wherever we can.”

Picture caption: L-r: Richard Janes, Toolbank rep, David Walker, Faithfull Tool rep, Rob Brooks, founder of Eden-Rose Coppice, Jo Brooks, manager at Eden-Rose Coppice, Gordon Ridgeon, director of Ridgeons and Andrew Buzza, Ipswich branch manager.