Farmer constructs giant rainbow to help fundraising efforts for children's hospice

John Alker, who farms 400 acres in Billinge, Wigan, used 84 round bales to create the work of art in the hope of raising £2,000 for Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley, a charity providing respite and end-of-life care for children and young people across the North West.

Mr Alker’s daughter, Gemma Crompton, told Farmers Guardian: “We were saddened to hear the cancellation of summer fundraising events for Derian House was having a huge impact on the self-funded hospice financially, and decided as a family to raise money by constructing the Derian Rainbow sculpture.

“Covid-19 has not only destroyed lives but put a stop to life for many and without this hospice and the incredible work of the carers, vulnerable poorly children and their families will not be able to access the care they vitally need.”