Volunteers praised for hospital Rainbow Garden work

Volunteer gardeners who helped create a new hospital garden have been praised for their efforts.

The Rainbow Garden at the West Berkshire Community Hospital opened on September 20.

The garden is an extension to the hospital's rainbow rooms, which are used by patients who are receiving end-of-life care.

It was funded by donations from local businesses and individuals and time was given by members of the community, including the army, to create it.

The hospital said for some benefactors, their involvement was personal, with their loved ones cared for at there.

It said the finished garden holds “several personal touches” dedicated to these individuals, such as butterfly garden ornaments, engraved memorial benches, and a cherry tree, which is due to be planted.

The hospital has given its thanks to its volunteer gardeners, made up initially of volunteers from St Nicolas Church in Newbury. The group then expanded to friends of the hospital, the church and the local volunteer centre.

They made planters and an arbour for the Rainbow Garden, organised the watering system, helped with planting and will continue to care for the garden on a weekly basis.

The project was spearheaded by wellness therapist at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Christine Stockwell. She said: “We cannot believe what has been achieved. It has exceeded the vision I had for the space.

“The kindness, generosity and dedication to the volunteers and benefactors of the project has been overwhelming and humbling. Without them we could not have done this."

The garden can hold “cuddle beds” which allow patients and their loved ones to relax outside in the “calming space”.

The area is filled with brightly coloured flowers, foliage and benches, which sit each end of the outdoor space and can be easily seen by those laying in beds.

A mural, which sits by a patio seating area, was painted by local artist Frankie Cummins.