A dry cleaning and laundry business is doing its bit to spread some sunshine as it prepares to grow with its customers.

Barker has thrown its support behind Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s ‘Grow Some Sunshine’ campaign and purchased 3,000 packets of sunflower seeds.

The Bournemouth-based business – the UK’s largest domestic laundry and a specialist dry cleaner – plans to distribute the packets to its customers.

Matthew Barker, Managing Director, said: “When I heard about the ‘Grow Some Sunshine’ initiative I felt it was a great opportunity to give a little gift to my customers whilst helping my local hospice.

“This amazing charity has recently helped the family of a member of our staff, and this is an opportunity to say ‘thank you’, whilst spreading the word so others can be helped.

“We will also be helping the Lewis-Manning Hospice Care ‘Grow Some Sunshine’ campaign to raise money by selling seed packets in our dry cleaning shops in Sherborne, Bournemouth, Ashley Cross in Poole and Ferndown.”

Nicki Cluley, Lewis-Manning’s Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser, said: “We are thrilled to have the support of Barker.

“Their generosity is wonderful and will make a huge difference to the lives of the patients that we are supporting.

“In these uncertain times, there is one thing we can always be sure of, which is Lewis-Manning nurses will go above and beyond to care for families across East Dorset and Purbeck.

“They bring sunshine into patients lives during some of the most difficult times they will ever face.

“The ‘Grow Some Sunshine’ campaign is all about bringing families and communities together to grow giant sunflowers this summer.

“We want to fill the gardens of Dorset and those of Barker customers with their bold, bright and summery faces as a huge thank you to all of our nurses, supporters and community who ensure we can keep providing much-needed hospice care.”

• lewis-manning.org.uk