East Lothian business, Archerfield Walled Garden, raises over £80,000 for Reverse Rett, a charity dedicated to funding research to treat and cure the neurological condition, Rett Syndrome.
Since 2013, funds have been raised at the retail and leisure destination in various ways, including hosting the ‘Reverse Rett Run’. For the last decade, 50p from every burger sold from the main menu has been donated, raising £12k towards the total amount.
At Christmas, 750 turkey sandwiches were also sold with 50p from each one donated to the charity.
Visitors have been able to donate at the Wishing Tree, located on the Willow Walk, leading to the Fairy Trail, where they can choose a piece of twine, tie it to a branch on the tree and make a wish. Customers have also donated in collection boxes located at till points.
Catherine McKinney, mother of Eliza, who has Rett syndrome, and a trustee of Reverse Rett, said: “As a family, we have always been incredibly grateful to Elly and everyone at Archerfield Walled Garden for choosing to support Reverse Rett in so many ways.
“Eliza, our second child, was born seemingly healthy and developed typically as a baby. Around the age of two, she began to miss developmental milestones and then gradually lost skills she had already gained. She was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome just days after her third birthday — a birthday we had celebrated at Archerfield Walled Garden.
“We all love Eliza so much and are devastated by the impact this condition has had on her life. Ultimately, we want a better life for her — one where she has choices, can stand up for herself, laugh, argue and play, and tell us when she is in pain, as well as share her dreams and fears. Reverse Rett is the only UK charity funding medical research to help make this a reality.
“I began fundraising for Reverse Rett shortly after Eliza was diagnosed and joined the board in 2018. Every penny raised through the support of Archerfield Walled Garden is potentially life-changing, and we are so thankful for the support.”
Elly Douglas-Hamilton, Chief Executive of Archerfield Estates Limited, said: “Reverse Rett is a charity very close to our hearts, which is why we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has visited us and donated money and to those who have taken part in our fundraising events to help raise this fantastic amount over the years.”
Various other charities and local community groups have also received ongoing support from Archerfield Walled Garden over the years, including Dirleton Playgroup, who have received donations for raffles, a location for their Dirleton Run and use of the gardens. Dirleton Primary School has also received support with various donations, including a Christmas tree every year and hampers.
As part of its ongoing community support initiatives, local groups like Dirleton Village Association, have received hands-on help at their Market on the Green.
Archerfield Walled Garden has also hosted many charity events, including ‘Hops in the Garden’ for Leuchie House and the annual ‘Edinburgh Taxi Outing’ which culminates with a funfair on the Estate.
In addition, everything from compost and seeds to flowers, logs and willow are donated to local environmental charities and gardening projects, like Gullane Art Club and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People who received willow for their Lantern Festival.
Elly continued: “As a local visitor landmark in the area, it is important for us to be part of the community and provide help and support whenever we can.
“There are so many highlights over the years which we love being involved in, with the Edinburgh Taxi Outing definitely being one of them.”
