Staff, families and young patients have praised the transformation of the Horton General Children’s Ward’s outdoor play area, describing the newly renovated garden as ‘a magical makeover’, ‘a happy space for children to thrive’, and ‘a huge improvement’.

The garden was officially opened with a ribbon cutting on September 10^th. Now bright and spacious, with beautiful planting, activities and shaded seating areas, it is also fully accessible, enabling children who use wheelchairs or who can’t leave their hospital beds to enjoy the space.

Tamsin Rawlings from the charity team, said: “ We are thrilled at this transformation and incredibly grateful to Glazpart Ltd for their very special support.”

"Time outdoors is so important for children’s mental and physical health and being able to access green space during a hospital stay will have a positive impact on the young patients."

Ward Sister, Pippa Parnell, told us: “It’s beautiful, I absolutely love it! There is so much to look at, with the lovely planting, a brilliant new climbing frame and a basketball area.

“I also love the bright and bouncy flooring, which is very level so all patients can enjoy the space. We are thrilled with it.”

The project was carried out by landscaping company, Hadingham Kirk, and funded thanks to a generous donation from local company Glazpart Ltd.

Ken Hanley, Glazpart Managing Director, cut the ribbon at the opening and said: “We’re really pleased to support our local Horton Children’s Ward and thrilled to see what a difference this has made. It truly is a transformation, the children are going to really enjoy this special space.”

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Divisional Director of Nursing, Florian Stoermer, praised the new space, saying. "What a wonderful environment for our young patients to enjoy. We are so grateful to our charity and its thoughtful donors who help to bring so many inspirational improvements to our hospitals."

The Horton arm of our charity has also funded a new fully accessible wet room for young patients and created a small private space for teenagers on the ward.

And work is taking place to transform two of the treatment rooms, thanks to the kind fundraising of the Tombling family, in memory of their son Zach, who spent a lot of time on the Ward.

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