Back in 2012, Geoff single-handedly set up Driftwood Fundraising Group. The current total of £114,825 (to end of 2023) has been raised for Macmillan Cancer Support, through two main streams.

The first, admissions to an annual garden trail between Brighton and Seaford, the last of which took place in July 2022. There were 10 events between 2012 and 2022 which raised £68,391.

The second, through events in Geoff’s multi-award-winning garden, Driftwood, which is open, by arrangement, to the public in the summer months. All income derived from entry, raffles, online fundraisers, tours, tea and cakes are donated to Macmillan Cancer Support. The total, to end of 2023, was £46.434. Geoff makes all his own cakes to sell in the garden too.

Geoff used to source gardens for the trail, complete risk assessments, maintain the trail website and did all the publicity and marketing for the events.

Macmillan’s outgoing CEO, Lynda Thomas, wrote to Geoff in September 2022 and thanked him for his amazing support of the charity:

“Thank you for your amazing contribution to Macmillan Cancer Support in organising the Macmillan Coastal Garden trail over the past 10 years. Your enthusiasm and dedication has helped raise vital funds for the Macmillan Horizon Centre to support people affected by cancer.

We are inspired by your energy and drive in organising the annual event, even during lockdown, and for making time to create your own masterpiece of a garden as part of the trail. We appreciate the huge amount of publicity and interest you have created over the years which has helped to raise crucial awareness of the charity and the work we do.

All of us at Macmillan are truly grateful for your unwavering support and commitment over the past 10 years. We simply wouldn’t be able to do whatever it takes for people living with cancer without your support – thank you!”

Going forward in 2024, Geoff will continue to raise money for the charity through his own garden which will be open for pre-booked visits only, from 1st June through until 31^st July. Check out all the 5-star reviews for Driftwood Garden East Sussex on Tripadvisor and then call 01323 899296 to arrange your visit. £6 straight entry to garden or £8.50 including talk by owner on its creation.

Donations to Geoff’s fundraising can also be made via this page.

Geoff's garden, Driftwood has appeared on BBC2 Gardeners' World, was a finalist in Gardeners' World Magazine Best Small Space. Read over 200, 5-star reviews, on TripAdvisor.  Read all about Geoff's trips to Buckingham Palace and Royal Garden Party in 2018 and his work for the community, plus being named a Coronation Champion and third visit to Buckingham Palace in 2023.

Pre book a 2024 garden visit or visit the garden website. Read all Geoff's published writing for various garden media.

Macmillan services are urgently needed now more than ever but they simply can’t continue them without your help. Please donate today to help make sure Macmillan can keep delivering this critical support. Macmillan nurses, doctors and other health professionals up and down the country are there to continue to support people living with and beyond cancer.

Comprehensive cancer information and support is available on www.macmillan.org.uk and our online community continues to provide invaluable emotional and peer support. The Macmillan Support Line is open 7 days a week on 0808 808 0000.

The Driftwood Fundraising Group fundraise for Macmillan Cancer Support (registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604), also operating in Northern Ireland. If you have any questions please contact the Supporter Care Team on 0300 1000 200.