How a Good Samaritan is rescuing thousands of plants, bulbs and seeds - and giving them to vulnerable, self-isolating people and key workers in the Harborough district

A Good Samaritan has launched an exciting Sows and Grows scheme in Harborough to support frontline NHS staff – and it’s coming up roses.

Lainie Whatsize, 34, is working with Broughton Astley Volunteer Group to sell and hand out plants and flowers.

She’s being given huge support by Leicester-based Coles Plant Centre as they all get behind the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent appeal.

Lainie, of Broughton Astley, told the Harborough Mail: “I’ve been overwhelmed by how well we are doing.

“It’s so humbling to be able to help so many people as well as supporting our brilliant NHS staff at the same time.”

The mum-of-one has so far rescued over 5,500 plants, bulbs and seeds that would have been dumped.

“We know plants are so powerful for individual wellbeing and mental health.

“We are rescuing and donating as many available plants as possible from garden centres and wholesalers.

“I want to say a huge thank you to Coles nursery as they have given us so many plants,” said Lainie.

“We are giving them to vulnerable and self-isolating people as well as key workers as a token of gratitude for all they are doing for our country.

“We have gifted plants to Sutton-in-the-Elms Care Home, Arkwright House, Thomas Estley Community College, isolated residents and essential workers.

“We had a primrose sale in the White Horse carpark on Thursday April 30.

“People snapped up packs of 5, 10 or 15 for a donation to the Sows & Grows Project Just Giving Page.

“And 100 per cent of the proceeds have gone to the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent appeal.

“We’ve already raised about £500.

“I’m also working alongside the Royal British Legion and Broughton Astley Parish Council to donate plants for the village planter ready for VE75 Day on Friday May 8.

“Our entire community has come together to get behind us, the spirit has been fantastic.

“And it’s so good to be giving and helping in such a difficult period for the whole country.”

Lainie, who works for EMH housing association, is also backing the Home-Start charity – which helps families with young children negotiate tough times.

“They helped me with my postnatal mental health problems after my daughter Liliana was born in 2017.

“This will be linked to Maternal Mental Health Day on Wednesday May 6.

“I have sunflower packs to give out to children and families that Home-Start help, along with any local residents that will benefit from this too,” she said.

“Home-Start are an inspiring group of people.

“They helped me enormously and I’m determined to help them now as much as I can.”

If you would like to help Lainie by buying her plants or making a charity donation please visit her Sows & Grows Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/sowsandgrowsproject