Objective will be to create an outdoor sensory space that reflects colour, light, wellbeing and air. Our aim is to create a new, accessible space that activates the minds of staff, cancer patients, their families, Stroke ward and elderly care.

The garden will create a sense of calm, fun, distraction and communication.

To give a patient a sense of normality and comfort at what can be a distressing time for them and their families.

There will be a journey around the garden with areas of privacy and senses to give calm and refection. Attracting wildlife will also be main consideration. All will feel a sense of enhancement yet mood changing feelings. Helping to aid communication with patients, family, friends and staff as they enjoy the garden.

We are delighted to have 'DJR Landscapes ', 'Outside Spaces ' working on the design and construction beg and borrowing off local companies to make this happen. We have some funding to start the project from NHS Charities Together, but we need more. From funding trees, to large pots, gorgeous low maintenance flowers and sculptures.

Claire James | Macmillan Lead Chemotherapy Nurse

"Sometimes patients are given a lot of information regarding their treatment or disease and sometimes patients or families are required to make decisions about this in a very tight time frame. It would be nice to be able to give the patients / families to clear their heads and think about what is being asked of them.

The staff in both the ward and the day unit deal with exceptionally distressing situations more often than not. The staff build up fantastic relationships with both the patients and families. When a long standing patient passes away some staff can find this emotionally very upsetting. We currently have nowhere in the ward / day unit area that staff can go and sit for 5 minutes and take some fresh air.

Quite often a lot of patients suffer from anticipatory nausea before they start their chemotherapy treatment. This is sickness that is brought on before their treatment has even started as they just associate being in the waiting room / ward / hospital with being sick. This particular group can now sit outside whilst they wait for their treatment".

Most importantly, we want to reduce stress, fear and anxiety that is felt in what can be a distressing setting and right now more so for our staff.

The funds you give will be effective for so many as already listed.

The area will be maintained with your funding and continue to be:

be safe and colourful

sensory

suitable for all age ranges

attract wildlife

beautiful view for those in isolation

accessible for disability

mentally good for families that visit

will be good for calming pre-treatment patients that have sickness anxiety

Gardens can transform cold, clinical environments into welcoming public spaces that encourage, enrich and empower everyone who uses them.

We are privileged to help our patients and aspire to the best for them during and after treatment, and sadly sometimes end of life. The garden will be magical important and part of healing process for all.

Other recent research has shown that gardens and art can:

Ease anxiety, and stress of patients and staff

Reduce patients' need for painkilling medications

Improve communication between patients and carers

Brings instant relief from stress and loneliness, elevating mood for as long as a week afterwards.

Maximises cognitive function

Regains sense of self

Re-energises through social interaction

Aids communication with child, young person, family and friends.