July 31, 2024

Lowrie’s story

I was a self-employed beauty therapist and nail technician with a thriving salon. However everything changed in the summer of 2021 when I sustained an incomplete spinal injury after a 27-foot fall. I was left with limited movement in my legs and weakened sensation.

Following an operation on my spine, I was admitted to University Hospital Llandough for 11 months. Whilst I was rehabilitating, Horatio’s Garden Wales opened in May 2022. Seeing the garden grow and watching Head Gardener Owen and the volunteer team care for the planting inspired me to become involved in nurturing the garden too. I began to get involved with planting herb seeds and the garden therapy sessions allowed me to relax. The garden soon became a haven for me as a tranquil sanctuary which distracted me from the noise of the ward.

I was also surprised and delighted by the arts programme which encouraged me to embrace my creativity and support my rehabilitation. I particularly enjoyed the willow weaving sessions, and I have even returned to the garden following my discharge from hospital to volunteer with the running of the workshops.

My whole family including my son, nieces and nephews benefitted from the warm, welcoming, comfortable place offered by the garden. It was a little snippet of heaven that made visits more like a family gathering rather than a hospital visit.

I now visit the garden regularly to see how it is blossoming and to visit friends I made during my stay – patients, volunteers and staff alike. The memories of Horatio’s Garden make me emotional and my heart full. The summer socialising with the patients, the laughter and stories shared, and the friends I made will hold a place in my heart always. Without the garden and its peacefulness I wouldn’t have left Llandough as happy as I am.

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