February 18, 2021

Curtis’ story

Meet Curtis.

Curtis works in the construction industry. He arrived at the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre in September 2020, having been involved in an industrial accident which left him paralysed. 

Having long had a great interest in birds, it wasn’t long before he discovered Horatio’s Garden London & South East. Since then, he’s visited the sanctuary at least once a day. 

“It’s a nice feeling to just be in the garden, whether I’m doing something or not. I come out for fresh air, sunshine, to just sit, look at the birds and have a relaxing moment.”

More often than not, Curtis can be found visiting the greenhouse, as he loves to see and learn a little more about the plants growing and blooming.

His visits soon led to him joining Head Gardener Ashley for one-to-one gardening sessions, which at first were challenging. 

“When Curtis first came in, he had very little hand function and was barely able to hold tools. He required a lot of help in the garden sessions, but across each week I’ve seen a huge improvement in his dexterity,” Ashley shares. 

“Now he can hold small tools, such as a dibber and can also sow seeds without assistance. It’s brilliant. 

For Curtis, the sessions have complemented the fantastic clinical care offered by the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital’s staff perfectly. 

“I find it therapeutic. Each little movement has helped my hands to remember how to work, particularly positioning my palm in a certain way to plant seeds. It’s helped me to get back the movements I thought I’d lost.” 

With a few keen gardeners currently spending time in the spinal centre, Curtis is in good company and thanks to the greenhouse’s heated mat, it is currently full of summer vegetable seedlings that he’s been able to nurture. 

 “Gardening is good for your whole being. Outside is like a medicine, a healing power. The garden has its own healing power. It makes you feel better in yourself.” 

Whilst honing his horticultural skills has certainly been a source of calm and inspiration, simply being able to visit the garden is something Curtis has valued most throughout the months he’s been in hospital. 

“It’s very important to have that space outside of the ward; a moment in time for reflection. Nature always brings reflection. You can clear your mind and have a little healing moment. I would recommend it to all the people here.” 

Knowing that the seeds of aubergines, tomatoes, chillies and sweet peppers all springing to life in Horatio’s Garden London & South East as we speak is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face. 

For Curtis, knowing that all his work and dedication has brought new life into the world, there can be no better sight than the fresh hope flourishing in front of him. 

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