Watch the Horatio’s Garden North appeal film
We’re so excited that Horatio’s Garden North will be our ninth garden, in the heart of the Golden Jubilee Regional Spinal Cord Injuries Centre at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
The new garden is now being designed by Polly Wilkinson. It will include two large balcony spaces and a courtyard which will become a critical part of rehabilitation care for people with spinal injuries residing from the Scottish border south to Barrow in the west and Whitby in the east.
“Horatio’s Garden will make the world of difference to all our patients, families, and staff here. We can’t wait to see the underused and unwelcoming concrete spaces outside the wards become somewhere natural, restorative and completely part of the rehabilitation process.”
— Glynis Peat, Clinical Director of Spinal Cord Injuries and Neurorehabilitation, James Cook University Hospital
Appeal Ambassador –
Nicola Wilson
Appeal Ambassador –
Nicola Wilson
"Having spent my life outdoors, I found being in the hospital so hard and craved to be outside. When the medical team pushed me outside in my bed for the first time, I could feel normal, have the sun on my face, see the bees and hear the birds. To have a dedicated garden to provide this pure magic every day, to find companionship in others and a peaceful and private place for families to visit will be transformative for people in the spinal injury centre."
— Nicola Wilson, European and Olympic medal winning event rider who sustained a spinal injury at Badminton Horse Trials in 2022
Appeal Ambassadors
Nicola Wilson
Nicola Wilson is a European and Olympic medal winning event rider who
sustained
a spinal injury at Badminton Horse Trials in 2022.
“Having spent my life outdoors, I found being
in the hospital so hard and craved to be outside. When the medical team pushed me outside in
my bed for the first time, I could feel normal, have the sun on my face, see the bees and hear
the birds. To have a dedicated garden to provide this pure magic every day, to find
companionship in others and a peaceful and private place for families to visit will be
transformative for
people in the spinal injury centre.”
Nigel Corner
Nigel Corner DL is Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire who has run his
family business in the North East for 30 years. He was an international motor racing driver for 12
years until a career-ending accident.
“Delighted to support this amazing charity,
which provides peace and comfort, both for
those desperately injured, and their families.”
Janey Downshire, Marchioness of Downshire
Janey Downshire, the Marchioness of Downshire has spent her career teaching
and lecturing on healthy adolescent development in the UK and overseas and as co-founder of
Teenagers Translated. She has been organising fundraising events in support of this campaign.
“I’ve known about the vital work of Horatio’s Garden for a number of years and I really wanted
to be a part of bringing this critical garden to the North East to support people with spinal
injuries and their families from the region.”
Nick Downshire, Marquess of Downshire
Nick Downshire, the 9th Marquess of Downshire, is a chartered accountant and land-owner in North Yorkshire and Northern Ireland. He sits on the Council of the Duchy of Lancaster, is a trustee for various landed estates and an adviser to Wildlife Farms & Estates for England and Wales.
“Going through rehabilitation for a spinal injury is gruelling and to have access to a beautiful garden to find calm, beauty and the ability to meet with family and friends is essential. I am proud to support this campaign and to know that we are creating something so incredibly important.”
Garden designer –
Polly Wilkinson
The founder of Studio Pollyanna, Polly Wilkinson has won RHS medals at both Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows, as well as two People’s Choice Awards.
She says: “When you have a spinal injury, so much is taken away from you and the process of rehabilitation is incredibly demanding. But the way Horatio’s Garden works alongside the NHS to give hope and joy at this incredibly difficult time is so inspiring. The team and I feel privileged to contribute to this inspiring mission and are raring to go.”
Garden designer –
Polly Wilkinson
Before: The site of Horatio's Garden North at The Golden Jubilee Regional Spinal Cord Injuries Centre at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough
After: Design visual of Horatio's Garden North by Pollyanna Wilkinson
Would you like to support us with our fundraising or volunteer?
Email
info@horatiosgarden.org.uk or ring 01722 326834
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