Reaseheath horticulture students have joined much loved tv presenter Alan Titchmarsh in a mission to create a new garden at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Our students were part of a team of skilful volunteers to help Alan and fellow presenter David Domoney transform the hospital’s outdoor area into a haven for young patients, their families and the dedicated staff.
The resulting state- of- the-art, multi-functional garden was the subject for Love Your Garden NHS Special, screened on ITV on Tuesday May 22 on the first anniversary of the bomb attack at Manchester Arena. Many of the young casualties were brought to the hospital and many are still being treated there. The programme is also part of a wider celebration of the NHS’ 70th birthday.
A range of our students, from BSc Landscape Architecture undergraduates to Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture students, answered the call for help with the hugely deserving cause. Royal Manchester is the largest single site children’s hospital in the country and our students helped to build a garden which will be enjoyed by thousands of children and carers.
By providing a green and tranquil outdoor space in the middle of the city, it is hoped that the garden will encourage the healing and wellbeing of the young patients.
Undergraduate Liz Rees-Graham, who wants to become a horticultural therapist, was one of our student volunteers. She said: “It was a great privilege to be able to work on such a prestigious project. Alan Titchmarsh was inspirational, as were the other professionals who gave up their time to create this garden. It was a hugely appreciated team effort which will help to make children’s lives better.”
Alan Titchmarsh said: “It’s been a privilege to meet the amazing staff and brave children and parents at the hospital. Every child, no matter what their circumstances, deserves an outdoor space where they can play and feel safe. My team and I hope this garden brings joy to everyone who uses it for many years to come.”
If you missed the programme, you can catch up on the ITV hub.
