A former intensive care nurse is selling homegrown money plants to raise money for a Swindon hospice.

Linda Grice, 65, of Old Town worked at Bristol Infirmary in intensive care before moving to Swindon seven years ago and retiring in 2022.

During her retirement so far, Linda has been growing a variety of plants to sell to Swindonians, with the profits going to local charity Prospect Hospice.

“I have been doing this for six months for charity but was growing before that too,” she said.

“My son gave me a tiny little cutting and now I have several huge plants!”

Linda said she chose to raise money for Prospect, whic provides end-of-life care for people living in Swindon, north east Wiltshire, Fairford and Lechlade, because of her experience in end-of-life care.

The charity, which was founded in 1980, offers care services for more than 300,000 people and is primarily funded by the local community.

“I used to work in the end-of-life care at Bristol Infirmary with intensive care so that is why I have chosen this particular charity to help,” revealed Linda.

The former nurse has already sold several plants since making the charitable switch and hopes to continue providing them for Swindonians.

“People will find a plant they like and make a donation to get it,” said Linda.

“Fear not if stocks are low because I have always got a few plants on the grow.”

One of the main plants that Linda grows and sells are Pilea Peperomioides, commonly known as Chinese Money plants.

“They grow really easily and they are lovely to look at,” she said.

“I do other plants also but they just fly off the shelves when I take them!”

Surprisingly Linda is not interested in gardening but is motivated by a different reason than a specific passion for plants.

“I am not a keen gardener but I am a dabbler,” she revealed.

“It is a fun thing that I have done since retiring last year and it helps the charity.”

Despite no longer working at the infirmary, Linda insists that the necessity and ability to care or help out with caring never changes.

“It’s in my blood to help others,” she said.

Donations of £1.50 and above per plant is recommended and if you are interested in purchasing one, you can get in contact with Linda via the Nextdoor app.