Three years on and the Cancer Care Centre garden at York Hospital is looking as good as ever thanks to dedicated volunteers.

The specially designed garden was funded by donations to create a beautiful and tranquil space where people can find peace and fresh air. It was designed to a very specific brief to make sure it was suitable for people who have cancer.

Sue Lindley, garden designer said: “The garden has been, and continues to be, entirely supported by donations and cared for by volunteers – people who either through the Rotary York Ainsty Group, or as individuals want to give something back. The volunteers play a crucial role in the future of the garden.

“Our current group are a friendly and dedicated bunch of people, some horticulturally skilled and some who were complete beginner gardeners when they first joined. They meet seven times a year to carry out pruning and other horticultural jobs and a weekly rota means that someone comes in each week to ensure rubbish is removed, and that watering pots and deadheading is done. Once a year we meet for coffee and cake to celebrate. We would be very happy to welcome new volunteers -come along to one of our group maintenance sessions to give us a try!”

Jim Murison from Rotary York Ainsty said: “We have worked with the hospital charity for a number of years, assisting with fund raising and volunteering so we were delighted to get involved with the Cancer Care Garden project. The Rotary’s contributions to the garden were made in memory of member George Shepheard.

“Since the garden opened in 2013 Rotary has worked closely with the garden designer Sue Lindley ensuring that the planting and colour scheme continues to provide such a lovely sanctuary for visitors to sit in and enjoy.” 

Four volunteers from the Rotary team now help maintain the garden and donate plants when necessary.

If you are interested in volunteering please visit the Trust’s website www.york.nhs.uk/volunteer

08 August 2016