More than 450 people poured through Glandore Homestead’s rustic gates at Bowna on Saturday, digging deep to support the fundraiser for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund.

With a plant stall and highly popular country-style refreshments quickly gobbled up, the open garden event alone raised $5000 but that tally soon topped $15,000 thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor.

Hosted by Bradley and Kerryn Hayden, the cause is one very close to the couple’s hearts with Kerryn currently undergoing treatment for an aggressive breast cancer.

Jane Evans, fundraising manager for the trust fund, said the open garden was a resounding success and once again highlighted the depth of grassroots community support for the new cancer centre.

“Unfortunately cancer resonates with so many of us in the community,” she said.

“When you talk to our many supporters who host fundraisers, you find that nearly all of them have been touched in some way by the cancer journey.

“There is always a story, always someone in their hearts, that creates the impetus to hold an event.

“The Haydens’ passion and enthusiasm was clearly evident in their open garden and they did a marvellous job bringing it to life.”

Ms Evans said one of the reasons she believed the trust had been so well supported was the fact all money raised stayed in the community.

Mrs Hayden said there were many tears shed when her family and their army of helpers learned of the $10,000 donation to their cause at the weekend.

She has undertaken part of her treatment in the centre’s light-filled rooms and says the Albury-Wodonga region is “extremely lucky” to have a medical facility of this calibre.

The new cancer centre, which will be officially opened on Wednesday, includes 30 inpatient beds, day chemotherapy facility, consulting rooms, education facility, wellness centre and dedicated children’s treatment space. 

For Mrs Hayden and so many others, it means access to state-of-the-art treatment options closer to home.

And perhaps more time to recover in the tranquil surrounds of a gorgeous garden.