WE ARE seven major national healthcare charities who are all beneficiaries of the National Gardens Scheme. We are fortunate enough to have received £2.6 million in donations this year alone.

Since 1927, the NGS has given away more than £45 million to deserving charities like ours. But, remarkably, very few people are aware that they are one of the most significant funders of community nursing and caring charities in the UK.

Their impressive funds are raised by visitors paying to attend around 3,800 gardens in the UK, where they can also buy plants and enjoy home-made teas – an incredibly creative way to raise enormous donations year on year.

On June 6-7 2015 more than 400 gardens will open their gates across England and Wales for the National Gardens Festival Weekend. The NGS very much believes in the health benefits of garden visiting – physically, emotionally and spiritually. Being outdoors in a peaceful, inspiring setting can make us feel happier and healthier, and a Festival garden can offer a beautiful retreat from busy, everyday life.

We urge everyone to visit a garden during the Festival and throughout the year – find one near you at ngs.org.uk - or download the free app to your smartphone. The more people visit gardens, the more funds this generous organisation can give to people in need of our care and support.

Steve Ford, chief executive, Parkinson’s UK

Gail Scott-Spicer, chief executive, Carers Trust

David Praill, chief executive, Hospice UK

Lynda Thomas, chief executive, Macmillan Cancer Support

Jane Collins, chief executive Marie Curie

Crystal Oldman, chief executive, Queen’s Nursing Institute

Richard Capewell, chief executive, Perennial