I was diagnosed with spina bifida at birth, so I’ve been coming to this hospital since I was about four months old. Since then, I’ve had close to ninety operations and have seen my life, and the hospital, change a great deal. From overcoming expectations that I’d never walk, to becoming a mum, my family have supported me through everything. During my most recent stay though, Horatio’s Garden has been the biggest boost to my mental health.
My motto in life is that God put me on this planet for a reason, and that was to show people that no matter your disability, it’s not a disability – we are differently abled. We can do everything that other people can do in a different way.
As a child, the longest time I spent in hospital was around nine months, when I was eight years old. It was the hottest summer on record, and I was recovering from a big operation in a full body cast. Back then, things were very different, and any activities or schoolwork took place on the ward. My best memories were when people would visit, as otherwise there wasn’t a chance to get outside to play or chat.
When I returned as an inpatient this year, I was very poorly and I couldn’t get outside for several months. My mental health really slumped, and I felt like I’d hit rock bottom. Hearing about Horatio’s Garden from staff and seeing photos on the walls of the ward gave me the motivation to get outside and one day see it for myself.
In April, I finally made it out and since then I’ve enjoyed being in the garden every single day. After breakfast, I’m often the first person out, and sometimes stay as late as 7 o’clock in the evening. The staff are amazing and bring out my dinner and tea, meaning I can enjoy the quiet of the garden in the sunshine, or warmth of the garden room when the weather’s wet. The tranquillity of the garden makes it feel like another world, and I’ve felt my mental health soar.
The design of the garden makes everything feel possible. I can access planters at the right height for gardening, and the garden room has low units so I can make my own drinks. I never thought I was much of a gardener, but I planted some purple sunflower seeds of my own with the Head Gardener, Alex, and I can’t wait to see them grow. I really enjoy gardening now and hope to continue it with my dad once I’m home.
My family have been through a lot but have always been there for me. When we were told there would be things I couldn’t do, they’ve always said, ‘we’ll try’ – nothing is ever too much hassle. The garden has made it possible for us to have meals all together, and for me to see my son. He loves having the space to play games or use his VR headset when he comes to visit. He shows me what he’s up to and it’s amazing for us to just be able to have a chit chat in a place that feels like a park instead of a medical ward.
I’ve enjoyed reading about the story behind Horatio’s Garden – from a tiny idea to it being built here in Oswestry. It helps me see how much this garden has grown, and at the same time, reflect on how far I’ve come too.
To anyone who might doubt whether the garden helps rehabilitation, I would say that five minutes is all you’d need to experience the quiet, the birdsong and the smell of the flowers. Five minutes in this garden would make you feel a thousand times better in every possible way. For someone in hospital, it’s the most perfect place to be.