100-year-old woman from Greenwich raises £1,500 for community allotment

A 100-year-old woman from Greenwich is using her birthday to raise money for a community allotment.

Nina Long has raised £1,433 so far for the Together We Grow project, where she is the longest serving volunteer.

Mrs Long said: “Thank you to everyone who has donated. I am so happy to have reached 100 and wanted to celebrate it by giving back to my local community, who have supported me so much throughout my life. 

“It feels good to be able to make a difference even though I am unable to go out and help physically.

“The local allotment plays such a big role in the community, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation. It is something I hope continues for many years to come.”

The charity that runs the project, Skills and Care Greenwich, supports marginalised older people within the community, including many people of Gurkha Nepali origin, and those living in poverty.

The community allotment is based in Middle Park, Eltham, and is a place where people can socialise, as well as grow plants together.

It was launched to provide a space for ex-armed forces citizens and the local community in Greenwich to come together.

It is commonly used by the Gurkha Widows and Veterans group, as many reside in the local area.

Mrs Long has supported the organisation since its launch as she remembered the Gurkha’s from when she served in the armed forces.

She served in the Army while her late husband, John Frederick Long, who she married in 1942 served in the RAF.

Mrs Long’s donations will be used to repair the allotment and its shelter,which were damaged by bad weather, as well as buy compost, seeds and gardening tools. 

It was particularly important throughout the pandemic as it was a place where seniors were able to spend time together safely. 

A local home care company Home Instead Greenwich and Bexley, which is owned by the founders of Skills and Care, Fatta and Sonia Thapa, has pledged to match any donations made.

Sonia said: “Nina is such a wonderful and inspirational lady. 

“Even at 100, she has such a wonderful mind and memory- remembering each of our faces and still wanting to make a positive impact on her community.

“She has dedicated so many years of her life to volunteering and helping others, something she is continuing now by dedicating one of her biggest milestones to fundraising for our charity. 

“She has been so welcoming to the Gurkha population within the local community, helping them to integrate and socialise during a difficult period. We are so grateful for all of your support, Nina.”

To donate visit https://localgiving.org/fundraising/lookwhose100/

Pictured top: Nina Long