My name is James and I’m a 24-year-old student. I was training for a triathlon, however my life changed completely when I was involved in a crash and I sustained a spinal injury.
I was taken to The Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre to begin my recovery and rehabilitation. When I first got to hospital I was in bed all the time which wasn’t boring, but it was very same-y. After four and a half weeks I was able to use a wheelchair and I went out to Horatio’s Garden South West as soon as I could.
I really enjoy the music in the garden and I always come down and listen. One afternoon, another patient performed in the garden because he was a drummer. A number of us came down from the ward to support him and we had a brilliant afternoon watching him play.
Every time I have a visitor we go to the garden. One time, I had a big group of friends come to visit me and we ordered food and played games which was great! My family also really love the garden. My younger sister particularly enjoys the cyanotyping workshops and it’s so nice to see her being so creative.
The garden is a nice place to chill and it has really improved my time in hospital. Having a space outside is good for your mental health, and I would always encourage other patients to visit the garden, even if you’re on your own without visitors.
