A generous donation from the Cheltenham-based Charles Irving Trust has enabled Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Gloucestershire to refurbish their garden and open up new parts of the grounds for patients and their families.
The hospice is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Cheltenham, the 13th Century Grade II* Listed Leckhampton Court.
It has a natural lake to the front of its day hospice building and a Cotswold stone terrace to the side of its inpatient unit, giving panoramic views across the Severn Valley to the Malverns and Welsh hills beyond. However, the uneven ground and surfaces have meant that for many years both areas have been difficult to access for patients and their families.
With the donation from the trust the hospice has installed a brand new all-weather wheelchair-friendly walkway around the lake and a new secluded seating area for patients to enjoy the lake and wildlife.
The Cotswold stone terrace has also undergone a complete refurbishment, with new railings and a seating area, meaning patients and families can spend time outside together enjoying the views.
Elise Hoadley, Hospice Director explains:
“We do all we can to make sure our hospice is a home from home for our patients and their families. Our grounds play an important part in making patients, family and friends feel welcome and relaxed, allowing them to spend precious time together outdoors.”
“We want our patients to be able to sit in the sun, smell the roses and lavender, listen to the birds, watch the ducks on our lake, spot the deer in the woods or see butterflies and squirrels among our beautiful grounds nestled in the foothills of the Cotswolds. However, access in and around the grounds of our Grade II* Listed manor house has sometimes been difficult for patients with reduced mobility.”
“We are thrilled that this generous donation from The Charles Irving Trust has helped us offer patients and families soothing, secluded areas to sit and enjoy time together, something we know plays an important role in improving sense of wellbeing.”
Rachel Murphy’s mother was cared for at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and she holds fond memories of the time spent with her mother and her children in the hospice grounds. She said:
“One memory that stands out for me is watching our two girls running on ahead around the lake at the hospice whilst my husband pushed mum around in her wheelchair. The girls were picking flowers and bringing them back to my mum with laughter and big smiles.
“Some of the last photos I have of my mum are of us all sat together in the hospice grounds with her holding the flowers the girls had handpicked. It means so much to have my last memories with mum being surrounded by love in such a beautiful place.”
For more information visit Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice
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