Ruxley Manor Names ellenor Charity Of The Year As They Celebrate 150 Years!
We’re delighted that Ruxley Manor Garden Centre has chosen ellenor as its Charity of the Year as the family-run business celebrates an incredible 150 years serving the local community.
Now led by the fifth generation of the Evans family, Ruxley has become one of the most recognised and respected businesses in the area. Throughout 2026, their team will support ellenor with fundraising, awareness and community activity at their Sidcup site. This will help ensure more local families can access the care and support they need.
James Evans, a Ruxley Company director, said: “We’ve always believed that being a successful business comes with a responsibility to give back to the community that supports us. ellenor’s work touches families at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives, and the compassion, dignity and care they offer deeply resonated with us. Choosing ellenor felt like a natural and easy decision for us.”
ellenor’s Corporate Partnership Manager Jemma Kemp agreed. She said: ““This partnership reflects everything ellenor stands for – community, care and connection. Ruxley’s reach and reputation locally will help more families understand the support available to them.”
Ruxley, based on Maidstone Road in Sidcup, also boasts the very popular Mulberry Tree Restaurant, and recently won Destination Garden Centre of the Year UK at the Garden Centre association Awards.
Ruxley will be supporting ellenor throughout 2026, with customers invited to donate at all 17 tills across the centre. Staff will wear bespoke pin badges featuring the ellenor logo, helping to raise awareness within the community. ellenor magazines will also be displayed on site, alongside donation bins where customers can leave items for the charity’s shops. Ruxley has also agreed to sponsor a bear as part of Dartford – We’re going on a Bear Hunt, one of the charity’s largest fundraising and reputation building events of the year.
Jemma said: “This is an important partnership for ellenor. We provide care across that part of Kent, but awareness and financial support there are lower than in some other areas. Ruxley’s reach and footfall will help us raise both vital funds and understanding of the care we offer, ensuring more families know where to turn when they need support.”
Ruxley are holding a major raffle in March, with a high value top prize to be confirmed. They are also approaching suppliers for additional donations, and a large team of Ruxley staff will be taking part in ellenor’s Twilight Walk later this year.
James said: “We’re excited about raising both funds and awareness, but just as importantly, about building a meaningful relationship. Whether that’s through events, shared projects or volunteering, we hope our partnership helps shine a light on ellenor’s incredible work and provides support that truly makes a difference.
“Reaching our 150th year as a family business is something we’re incredibly proud of. Henry Evans, our great grandfather, founded our holding company, H Evans & Sons, in 1876. Each generation has added something new, and the business today is very different to all those years ago! However, what hasn’t changed are our core values – quality, care and community. Being able to mark this milestone while supporting a charity like ellenor feels especially meaningful.”
It’s the little extras that will make all the difference, for instance the garden centre is providing circus tickets for ellenor families and staff, and their own staff will be coming into the hospice to volunteer.
Many past and present members of staff at Ruxley have either directly used ellenor’s services or have had wider friends and family linked to the care that ellenor gives.
James said: “It’s those experiences that bring home just how vital a service ellenor provides, not only for patients but for loved ones too.
“Having been given a tour of the hospice, we were struck by the warmth and friendly feel as soon as you entered the main reception. We love the way that the café is open to all, not just people using the hospice and that gives the whole place a community feel. It felt like a real community hub, something we try to replicate at the garden centre.”
Ruxley staff are also determined to get involved with ellenor’s Green Shoots group, a weekly garden therapy class for patients and the bereaved, and their families.
James said: “Gardening has long been recognised for its therapeutic benefits offering calm, connection and a sense of purpose. We strongly believe in a holistic approach to wellbeing where emotional, mental and physical health are all nurtured through the love of gardening. Being involved with Green Shoots feels like a wonderful way to combine our expertise with ellenor’s compassionate care.
“We’d simply like to say how honoured we are to support ellenor. Their work makes an immeasurable difference to so many lives, and we hope our customers, team and wider community will feel inspired to get involved, support the partnership, and help us champion such an important local charity.”
