A team of 10 young people from the Prince’s Trust have given the garden at the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre some tender loving care.
The 16 to 21 year olds also revamped a courtyard garden area on the same North Cambs Hospital site in Wisbech during what has been the hottest week of the year so far.
As well as dedicating their time and efforts to tidying, weeding, planting, jet washing and sweeping the garden and courtyard areas, the Prince’s Trust team also raised the funds needed to carry out the work and securing donations of plants, gravel, pots and hanging baskets from local businesses.
Tracy Farrow, sister on Trafford Ward said: “What a wonderful job the Prince’s Trust have done with our ward garden. Thank you very much, it means so much to our patients to have a lovely garden to visit.”
Judi Duffy, the creative activities coordinator at the Centre added: “Our team of nurses are delighted with the hard work, enthusiasm and dedication of this group of young people.
“The patients have already enjoyed the new look. It’s astounding how much they got done in such a short time.”
Michelle Knight, matron, said: “We’re still hard at work, fund raising for the full garden refurbishment here, but in the meantime the work these young people have done this week is fantastic!
“It means our patients, who are receiving treatment for cancer and other long-term conditions, their families and our staff can use the outside areas and enjoy seeing the plants flourish this summer.
“We’ve also had more than £100 donated from the Long Sutton Bowls Club towards a water feature for our finished garden.
“This donation, with other community support we have and continue to receive is heart-warming.”
The centre, an Arthur Rank Hospice Charity service, provides hands-on care and support to hundreds of people living with a life-limiting illness in the Fens.
No charge is made to patients for care and a large portion of the running costs are raised thanks to the dedicated fundraising efforts of the local community.
As well as running costs, the Treatment Centre is currently running an appeal to raise the final £50,000 needed for urgently needed expansion and development work, due to take place later this year.
• There is an open day at the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre at North Cambs Hospital, Wisbech on Thursday July 5, between 11am-4pm, to link in with Wisbech Rose Fair. There will be cake stalls, tea and coffee and an exhibition of art by patients who attend day therapy.
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