It is exactly a year since the concept of Ten Thousand Daffodils sprang into Dockray-based potter Helen Holland’s mind as a means of raising money for charities around the Ullswater Valley and beyond.
In the past 12 months, the project has involved 4,000 man hours, 500 volunteers, 3.25 tonnes of clay, 155kg of glaze, 7.7km of steel, 31,000 washers, countless spreadsheets, online transactions, specially made boxes, protective packing material and delivery van visits.
The final result, from the sale of more than 13,000 ceramic daffodils, is that more than £310,000 has been raised — and now distributed.
The six charities which have benefited are: Another Way, Sunbeams Music Trust, Ullswater Catchment Management CIC and Friends of the Ullswater Way, all local; The New Horizon Youth Centre and James’ Place, both national.
Jim Lowther, owner of Lowther Castle, said: “This was an incredible effort on the part of Helen and her army of volunteers from across Cumbria. A community-binding endeavour that raised significant sums for some very important charities.
“James’ Place — the charity which helps young men in suicidal crisis — is the Lowther Castle partner charity. With the sum that James’ Place receives, it will be able to treat and save the lives of 30 young men.
“All the charities are doing remarkable work, many of them looking at environmental problems as well as social challenges. Lowther Castle and the entire team is delighted and proud to have been able to facilitate this event.”
