Can you grow York’s biggest sunflower – and raise money for a great cause at the same time?

A dedicated fundraiser from York has come up with a blooming fantastic idea to raise money for children’s charity the NSPCC.

Gemma Lumley, who has already raised thousands for the children’s charity, is asking supporters to donate £5 for some giant sunflower seeds, with green-fingered participants competing to see whose plant can grow the biggest by 11 June.

The winner will receive a giant toy hamper – perfect for those with little ones to entertain over the summer holidays.

Gemma said: “Everybody loves sunflowers, they’re such a lovely sight when you’re walking around during the summer. So this competition has three benefits really, it raises money for the NSPCC’s work, gets people growing some lovely flowers, and brightens up people’s neighbourhoods too.

“I thought this was a great way to get involved with the NSPCC, and with lots of fundraising activities having to be postponed or cancelled over the last year, I hope this will give more people a chance to do something really special to help children.”

Fundraising manager for Yorkshire Elaine Kaye said: “Gemma’s idea to raise money with a sunflower growing competition is fantastic, and gives people a chance to show their support in a really visual way, both online and in their gardens.

“Children across the UK have had such a tough year full of uncertainty and being cut off from their usual support networks, not being able to attend clubs and sports, and not being able to see extended family and friends.

“In the years ahead we all have to meet the challenge of making sure this generation isn’t defined by Covid, and all the money we raise will go towards being there for children when they need us most.

If you would like to get involved in the sunflower competition, you can visit the NSPCC Yorkshire and Humber fundraising page or email fundraising manager Elaine at [email protected]