SWAPPING her garden shears and shovel for a road bike, a woman from Altarnun will be hosting a charity Teddy Bears’ Picnic, in support of her upcoming cycling challenge and in memory of a close friend.

Green-handed Sharon Moses, from Altarnun, near Launceston, will be tackling the long road from St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall to Mont St Michel, France, in memory of her close friend and to raise vital funds for Mount Edgcumbe Hospice — using just the power of her legs, as well as a bit of local support, to pedal her way across the route on her road bike.

With her challenge due to take place at the beginning of October (October 4 to 8), Sharon has now been granted kind permission of the Trebartha Estate, North Hill, to host a Teddy Bears’ Picnic on the grounds, inviting one and all to come along, take part and raise money for the cause, as well as possibly providing a new home for a teddy bear.

Sharon, known to many as a gardening expert on BBC Radio Cornwall’s ‘Gardenline’, is looking to raise at least £1,800 for Cornwall Hospice Care’s Mount Edgcumbe Hospice, knowing all too well the fantastic support this facility offers.

Two years ago, Sharon’s close friend sadly passed away when cancer struck. He spent his last days at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice, where he received the right support and care before he passed. With Sharon’s friend having hosted and taken part in many fundraising activities and challenges for this cause, she decided it was her turn to hang up the gardening gear for a while and challenge herself to a charity cycle, in memory of her friend and raising money for the hospice.

She told the Post: “He was amazing, and we still miss him every day.”

On Sunday, May 7, from 2.30pm until 5.30pm, Sharon will host the Teddy Bears’ Picnic at the Trebartha Estate in North Hill, where a guided ‘woodland ramble’ will take place, allowing the children to find and re-home the hidden bears. Additionally, visitors will be able to work up an appetite by playing ‘pooh sticks’ before tucking into the picnic in the woods, and will even get the chance to win ‘Bardot’ in the raffle, a teddy bear donated by Charlie Bears, Launceston.

There will also be a prize for the most ‘dapper’ bear of the afternoon, and a hamper, courtesy of Tregothnan Tea, will be up for grabs. Afternoon cream teas and ‘sweet bear treats’ will be available in the tearooms on site, as well as bee-friendly plants on sale.

Speaking about the bears, of which she is gradually collecting for the big day, Sharon said: “I’m very excited, although I feel I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.

“Anyone who comes into my house would think I have an obsession with bears — they’re all over the house! Every time the dog looks around, oh — there’s another bear. It sounds a bit bad really, but at the moment I’ve got them hanging up at the ceiling by their ears, but it is all coming together.”

Sharon has some tricks up her sleeve, wanting her bears to be mischievous and playful with props as they are found around the woods, but won’t give too much away. She laughed, adding: “I’m having too much fun with this — I could get lynched at the end of it!”The ramble will allow the children to count the bears, and participants may be given the opportunity later in the day to make a donation and rehome a bear. With a day of unlimited fresh air, Sharon is hoping the weather will treat visitors kindly after the continued support shown already. She added: “People have just been incredible!”

Tickets for the event are £4 for adults, £2 for children and £10 for a family ticket. It is advised that visitors bring their favourite teddies, a picnic and picnic blanket, a raincoat, umbrella and wellies — just in case a spot of typical British weather hits — and some pocket money to spend.

All children must be accompanied by an adult, and dogs are unable to attend this event. Toilets and disabled toilets are available on site, and parking is also available.

To make a donation to Sharon’s fundraising challenge, visit everydayhero.com/uk and search for ‘Sharon the Gardener’.

To fundraise for Cornwall Hospice Care, contact Oliver Hoare on 01726 66868 or email [email protected]