Hello, my name is Chris, and I am a full-time single dad to my daughter, Fox.

Fox has Autism Spectrum Disorder and a severe communication delay, but she is by all accounts a very happy, curious little girl. She loves being outdoors, exploring nature and engaging in sensory play, which are incredibly important for her wellbeing and development.

Just over a year ago, we moved into a council property that was in a very poor condition, located two counties away from my previous support network. Every penny I had in savings went into making it a safe and permanent home for Fox - including selling many of the tools from my former landscaping business. While I’ve been able to prioritise essential repairs inside the house, ongoing costs and unexpected emergencies have meant there has been no budget left to create a safe garden space for her.

We are currently managing on a combination of Universal Credit and self-employment, as I work as a handyman alongside full-time childcare. Each season that passes is time Fox is missing out on being able to enjoy the outdoors safely and having a secure, sensory-friendly garden would make a huge difference to her daily life.

Before becoming a parent, I worked as a qualified horticulturalist, builder and landscape architect. I also held an allotment for over 13 years and have deeply missed having a space to grow produce and spend time outdoors. My love of nature and horticulture came from my grandmother, and it is something I am desperate to pass on to Fox.

Using my professional experience, I have designed a garden specifically around Fox’s sensory needs, centred on a large, raised bed positioned along a south-facing wall. I previously volunteered with Papworth Trust in Basildon, helping to design and maintain sensory gardens, and I’ve applied that same knowledge and care to a bold but thoughtful design that I know Fox will love. The plans have been approved by our housing officer.

I have included the original design I hoped to build for Fox before the realities of saving while combining childcare and work as a single parent became overwhelming. I recently began collecting reclaimed and waste materials from local landscapers in the hope of creating something usable, but progress has been slow and limited.

It is just me, Fox, and our assistance dog, Max. I have the skills and experience to carry out all of the work myself. All we need is help covering the cost of essential materials and accessibility items, including timber, fencing, soil, plants, flowers, ground covering and fixings. Every penny raised will go directly towards materials to make the garden safe, accessible and sensory-friendly for Fox.

A safe outdoor space would give Fox the opportunity to play, explore, regulate her sensory needs and develop her communication in a way that simply isn’t possible indoors. It would be a lasting investment in her wellbeing and future.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story and for any support you are able to offer.

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, they will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives. If, in those circumstances, we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child, any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.