Staff at AXA Isle of Man have undertaken this year’s AXA Challenge, creating a unique sensory garden for the Manx Foundation for the Physically Disabled at the charity’s headquarters in Masham Court in Douglas.

Around 30 staff worked in shifts last Friday and Saturday to create a stimulating and, importantly, sustainable garden to benefit the physically disabled for years to come.

The Company contracted Julian Driver and his team from JD Landscapes to work alongside the teams and lend expert advice on the various elements that will ensure the garden is easy to maintain and provides a stimulating environment all year round.

Thanks also go to B&Q and Eden Park Garden Centre who provided materials at a discounted price for the project and TEL’S Skip Hire who loaned the team a skip without charge.

The charity’s base in Victoria Avenue, Douglas, was purpose built in 1976, two years after the Foundation was founded, to provide an accessible building suitable for use by people with a disability.

Following the AXA Challenge, the facility now also boasts a new improved garden area that can aid in development through stimulation of the senses.

Managing Director of AXA Isle of Man, Mike Foy, said: ‘We have been searching for an appropriate community project for this year’s Challenge: something that we can really get stuck into and that will make a difference to the local community.

‘I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help the Manx Foundation for the Physically Disabled in this way. I know our staff got as much out of the work as the beneficiaries will for years to come.’