PEOPLE have been flocking to a popular sunflower field open which has been helping to raise funds for a noble cause.

Becketts Farm, in Wythall, opens its three-acre sunflower field and wildflower meadow every year between late July and August for free – and this year the farm is asking visitors for a voluntary donation to Touchstones Child Bereavement Support.

The charity provides one-to-one support for those aged between five and 21 in north east Worcestershire who have lost a loved one, while also providing Touchstone Memory Days where young people can come together to share memories of their loved ones and participate in activities to reduce isolation.

Any funds raised from donations this summer will go towards funding the charity’s Memory Days, which include activities such as zip wiring, go-karting and artwork, before ending with candle time to reflect on their lost loved one.

A Local Giving fundraising page has been set up, which has raised more than £2,800 for the charity.

Vicki Quarton set up Touchstones Child Bereavement Support in 2011, which helps around 100 young people a year.

She said: “Grieving a loved one is difficult for everybody, but especially so for young people who are getting to grips with the world and rely on others for care, and we are here to show them that they are not alone.

“The Memory Days that we hold every year really underline the importance of our work as so many children have a lightbulb moment when they realise that they aren’t lonely anymore.

“We’ve had children who have had to try to come to terms with a parent taking their own life – even blaming themselves – but when other children opened up it helped them to dispel that idea.

“Others have said to us at the end of the day that it was like hearing their own feelings coming out of someone else’s mouth, and as a result, young people have formed long lasting bonds and friendships out of these experiences, which is so heartwarming to see.

“We rely on public donations to fund our one-to-one support, as well as the Memory Days, so we are extremely grateful to Becketts Farm for supporting us.”

Simon Beckett, Chairman at Becketts Farm, added: “We are a family-run business and Touchstones Child Bereavement Support is a cause that is close to our hearts, and we are thrilled to be supporting them.

“Our fields provide a great space for visitors to explore and take photos before grabbing a bite to eat in our on-site restaurant.

“We are hoping that the memorable days out that our sunflower fields provide this year also sow the seeds for happier times ahead for those in need".

The opening of the fields is always weather dependent and people are urged to keep checking the Becketts farm Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest opening information. 

The field will remain open until at least Friday 30th August.