In December 2023, I was diagnosed as an incomplete paraplegic, with the expectation that I would be a lifelong wheelchair user. That moment marked the beginning of a whirlwind I could never have prepared for. Suddenly, my life felt like it had come to a screeching halt. While my friends were finishing their A levels, hanging out, and making plans for the future, I was stuck in the hospital, my world shrinking down to rehab sessions, daily physio, and endless hospital rooms.
At the time, I was transferred to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, as an inpatient at the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre (LSCIC). I had been cooped up in a hospital environment for so long, with little more than a patch of outdoor space that was surrounded by lots of people passing by. My mum, who had been there for me through it all, would take me outside every day, but it never felt like an escape. That’s when I first heard about Horatio’s Garden.
It became my route from my room to the physio gym, a chance to skip the usual hospital wards and get some fresh air. Even in winter, when the flowers hadn’t bloomed yet, I could feel the calmness it offered. Rain or shine, it was my escape; a breath of air outside the constant hum of the hospital.
The volunteers and team at Horatio’s Garden knew how important it was for me to feel like myself again, so they set up a desk in one of the garden pods, a space where I could study for my A levels in peace. It was the first time in months that I could work outside my hospital room. It wasn’t easy, staying focused, especially on the days I was exhausted from rehab, but there was something about that space – the fresh air, the openness – that made it easier. They even moved an adjustable desk into my room so I couldn’t use the excuse of being stuck in a hospital bed to avoid revision. No hiding in my room.
The garden wasn’t just a place to study. It was a reason to go outside. It became my daily goal; to get to the garden, get out of the hospital, and breathe. And then, when the events for us began; like the pizza nights, the quizzes, and all sorts of social activities, it gave me a chance to meet other people, to connect with others who were going through their own struggles. It felt like we were all in it together. It made the whole experience less isolating, seeing the progress of others and feeling like we were part of something bigger.
As I began to make progress and started walking with crutches, the flat paths of the garden were the perfect place to practice. Step by step, I’d walk the garden pathways, taking in the fresh air, feeling a little more like myself each time. When spring came, the garden started to come alive, the bulbs pushing through the soil, the flowers bursting into bloom. It felt like the world was waking up and so was I.
Being in the garden was more than just being outside. It was a release, a break from the hospital environment. It gave me a sense of freedom I didn’t know I needed. I never realised how much I missed nature and fresh air until I had the chance to experience it in that space.
The garden helped create a sense of community. I’ll always remember how we supported each other during that time, and the people I met will never be forgotten.
If you’ve never visited a Horatio’s Garden, all I can say is this: it’s a special place. When you’re staying on the ward, you don’t realise how much you miss being outside, how much you need nature, until you’re finally given the opportunity to experience it again. It’s not just a garden, it’s a lifeline.
Now, I’m in Leeds, studying mechanical engineering at the University of Leeds. I missed most of my year 13, but I still managed to sit my A levels and get into university. I’m enjoying life as a fresher, meeting new people, going out, and making the most of being at uni. I go to the gym nearly every day (and yes, I’m still hitting legs day!)
But no matter how far I’ve come, I’ll never forget Horatio’s Garden and what it gave me when I needed it most.
In April this year Archer’s mum and dad will be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon and the Paris Marathon in aid of Horatio’s Garden. We’d love for you to support this amazing challenge. Check out their fundraising page here.
