THE owners of one of Wiltshire’s largest estates are opening their gardens to the public in memory of a young woman who died of ovarian cancer.
The 9,000-acre Fonthill Estate, in Fonthill Bishop, will open for the third and final time this year on June 8 to raise money for the Lady Garden Foundation, a charity supporting women with gynaecological cancers.
The event is being held in memory of Emily Plane, who died in November 2023 after a five-year battle with ovarian cancer.
The event has been organised by Lord Margadale, Nancy Morrison and Emily’s mum, Penny Plane, who is a family friend of the estate.
Emily Plane (Image: Supplied)
READ MORE: Battle of Fonthill, carnivals and nurses march – this week’s archive pictures
Nancy Morrison said: “Emily loved her visits to Fonthill, and we couldn’t be more pleased to open the garden in her honour.
“It’s a special way to remember her and share something she enjoyed with others.”
Her mother, Penny Plane, said: “My involvement with the Lady Garden Foundation began when my daughter Emily was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 23.
“I am so grateful to Lord Margadale for opening the gardens at Fonthill in Emily’s memory, raising funds so the Lady Garden can continue to raise awareness of all five gynaecological cancers, educating people about the life-saving importance of regular self-examination and knowing the signs and symptoms.”
This event will be the third and final time the estate will be open to the public this year.
Visitors will be able to meet the gardening team and owner Lord Margadale, and explore the grounds, including the floral and vegetable gardens.
There will also be stalls hosted by local artisans.
Tickets cost £10 online or £12 on the gate, with all money raised going to the Lady Garden Foundation.
Chair of the Lady Garden Foundation, Jenny Halpern Prince MBE, said: “We can’t stress enough the importance of knowing your own body and understanding what to look out for.
“Early diagnosis saves lives, and we are so grateful to the Fonthill Estate for generously donating the proceeds of this special Open Garden event to help us continue our mission to save lives.
“Emily Plane was a true friend of the Lady Garden, and her mother Penny’s incredible, ongoing support helps us continue our vital work.”
More than 7,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year, making it the sixth most common cancer in women in the UK.
There are fears that this number could rise to around 9,400 new cases every year by 2038.
Many women are misdiagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) before being correctly diagnosed with ovarian cancer, as was the case with Emily.
The Lady Garden Foundation has called on women attending the event to visit their website and learn about the symptoms of gynaecological cancers, to help women spot the signs early and prevent deaths.
To book tickets, visit the Eventbrite website.