Greenhill House staff and residents at the Leonard Cheshire Home, in Timsbury, are proud to announce that a member of their staff, popular gardener, Martin Chalkey, has been invited to a special celebratory event being held at St James' Palace, London, on Thursday this week, to recognise and honour the work of the charity founded by Leonard Cheshire, for a world where every person is valued. The event will be hosted by the charity's Patron, Her Majesty The Queen.

The event will see Martin have dinner with the Queen, along with 170 guests, all from Leonard Cheshire Disability – staff supporters, volunteers and people who use the charity's services.

Leonard Cheshire founded the charity with a vision that disabled people should have the opportunity to contribute economically and participate fully in society. The charity has worked tirelessly since then to make that vision a reality in the UK and around the world and has achieved much. A spokesperson for the charity said: "We are proud of the people, our staff and partners and our volunteers, who have helped us to continue this work."

Martin, who lives in Camerton, manages the gardens and runs the Gardening Club at Greenhill House, supported by many dedicated volunteers from the local community.

The Gardening Club itself is well known in the village. Last September, members received a cheque from Timsbury Horticultural Society for new, easier access greenhouses to help the residents enjoy the gardens more. Martin is one of the original members of staff and has been involved with the home for around thirty years. As well as his visit to St James' Palace, Martin will be one of sixty other guests who have been chosen to be presented to the Queen in a separate room.

He is delighted to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Greenhill House at such a unique occasion. (Although, it will mean finally purchasing a suit!) Residents and colleagues at Greenhill are keen to see his transformation, out of his gardening gear and free of his beloved compost!