Fundraising ‘Field of Hope’ open this weekend for making memories and a difference

County Antrim couple, Ian and Ann Bingham, have swung open the gates to welcome the community to visit their Field of Hope, filled with thousands of bright spring daffodil blooms.

In the Autumn of 2018, Ian wanted to find a way to help and support local people who wanted to make a difference in their communities. He decided to plant some daffodils in a field near his home - thousands of them - and he offered folk the

opportunity to come and pick them. He asked for nothing in return, other than that every little bunch of flowers picked was used to give hope, joy and happiness.

People came in that first year, hundreds of them, and the hope that grew in those little yellow flowers bloomed across the community.

The field has been opened this year again and Ian is asking those who visit to make a donation to make a difference to the people of Ukraine impacted by the invasion of the Russian army.

Ian said:

“We would encourage anyone who visits, to pick a bunch of daffodils and in return, make a donation to support the efforts of the Disasters Emergency Committee and their local partners who are in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries, providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance to those innocent people whose lives have been devastated by the violent invasion of their country by Putin's forces.”

Locally, a donation will also be made to support the work of Alzheimer's Society Northern Ireland and Age NI in Northern Ireland. Ian continued:

“Sadly, there can be very few of us who don't know someone who is living with dementia, and tragically Coronavirus has impacted hardest on those people with dementia and their families. That's why, through this campaign, we hope to raise as much money as we can to support the vital work of these two dedicated local charities and also help us work towards making Ballyclare a dementia-friendly town in 2022.”

Since opening this season, many families have visited the Field of Hope and the thoughtful farmer said “it has been wonderful to see so many folk making magical memories and moments together, and supporting the fundraising effort so generously.”

If you still haven't visited the Field of Hope, it will be open again on Saturday 26 and on Mother's Day, Sunday 27 March, from 10am to 4pm and you'll be more than welcome.

The field is located at 191 Hillhead Road, Ballyclare, BT39 9LW (just look out for the signs at Binghams Plant Nursery).

Concluding Ian commented:

“We look forward to seeing everyone this weekend! No matter how big or small, your donation will make a difference to the lives of so many people, both here and in Ukraine, so please give what you can. Every bunch of daffodils picked and every donation made will help those who need it most.”