HOLYBOURNE resident and TV gardening great Alan Titchmarsh has backed a Treloar’s student’s inspiring challenge to complete a half-marathon in her back garden for the local special needs school.

Poppy Jones, 14, from Crickhowell, Powys, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, has set herself a goal to do a half-marathon of laps in her garden to raise money for Treloar’s.

She previously took on the first Brighton Marathon in 2017 with her father and brother who pushed her specially-adapted chair around the hilly course.

And Poppy has received enthusiastic support for her latest challenge, in aid of Treloar’s Covid-19 appeal, from the school’s patron Alan Titchmarsh.

As part of his Love Your Garden TV series, in 2012, Titchmarsh redesigned a garden for Poppy and her family to enjoy as Poppy is unable to travel.

He said: “Poppy is proving gardens are a great way of improving lives – not only by the peace, tranquillity and sustenance they offer, but also allowing endeavours like Poppy’s half-marathon to go ahead and help organisations like Treloar’s, which do such vital work in the community.

“Well done Poppy!”

Poppy said: “I wanted to help Treloar’s with their Covid-19 appeal. Just like other charities, Treloar’s needs help to help young people like me during lockdown.”

Rob Jones, Poppy’s father, said: “Poppy is fitting in laps with her busy home schooling timetable and daily support by Treloar’s.

“Treloar’s is keeping her busy with all curriculum subjects and provided a communication aid to assist. The teachers and therapists are great.”

To donate to Poppy’s challenge, visit treloar.org.uk/donate