On Thursday 14th November Horatio’s Garden charity held the official launch of its capital appeal for Horatio’s Garden Cardiff at the Cardiff & County Club. The charity was joined by over 150 enthusiastic new supporters, including rugby legend Sir Gareth Edwards. Everyone who attended was evidently passionate about the charity and embraced the opportunity to learn more about how Horatio’s Garden intends to plant hope in the heart of Cardiff.
Horatio’s Garden is a national charity that creates and nurtures beautiful gardens in the heart of NHS spinal injury centres. As part of the redevelopment project being undertaken by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board at University Hospital Llandough, the charity is building one of its award-winning gardens in the Welsh Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre to support everyone affected by spinal injury in Wales. The cost of the groundworks has been generously covered by Cardiff & Vale Health Charity, whilst the National Garden Scheme has pledged £150,000 as part of their incredible continued commitment to the charity.
Among the guests at the official launch was Sarah Price, the two-time Chelsea gold medal winner who is designing the garden. Sarah introduced everyone to her designs and explained how she will be creating a stunning, fully accessible garden that will feel like home for patients and their loved ones all year round. She shared that many childhood years spent wandering the Welsh countryside inspired her to become a garden designer and that she hopes to bring the signature elements of the gorgeous Welsh landscape to Horatio’s Garden Cardiff.
Sir Gareth Edwards also addressed guests, sharing that after a lifetime spent playing, watching and supporting rugby he knew how much Horatio’s Garden would mean to many friends who had experienced spinal injuries whilst playing the beloved game. He said it was a privilege to be involved in the project, a sentiment shared by many in attendance.
Co-founder and Chair of Trustees Dr Olivia Chapple told the story of the charity, thanked guests for their generous support of Horatio’s Garden and encouraged everyone to spread the word about the fundraising appeal. She shared with guests that Horatio’s Garden are relying entirely on public support to raise a total of £800,000 in order to bring Horatio’s Garden Cardiff to life by summer 2021.
No event or donation is too big or too small. The charity needs your support in order to both build Horatio’s Garden Cardiff and to fund the team who will care for the garden and organise events and activities for patients and families, all of which will offer them gentle support and rehabilitation throughout their time in hospital.
This is your chance to be part of an exciting movement to enhance the lives of people from all over Wales who have been affected by spinal injury.
To find out more about how you can help, please visit www.horatiosgarden.org.uk.
