Volunteers rally to transform Springhill Hospice sensory garden

Volunteers rallied together to assist Springhill Hospice in transforming its sensory garden

An impressive 28 volunteers rallied together to assist Springhill Hospice in transforming its sensory garden.

A call to action was made to address the overgrown state of the sensory garden and to create a new oriental garden, both of which required significant effort and attention.

The sensory garden, originally established with the support of East Lancashire Freemasons, had fallen into disrepair and was in desperate need of care.

With only a small but dedicated team led by head gardener Michelle Hurst looking after the hospice grounds, the scale of the task necessitated the formation of a special project team.

Louise Scott from H Bell & Sons took on the challenge and reached out to the Springhill Business Buddies via LinkedIn and Facebook. She was thrilled with the overwhelming response.

The first to offer support was Ashley Dixon from Safe Asbestos Removal (SAR), who partnered with Michelle at Springhill Hospice to devise a plan of action.

The appeal garnered an amazing response, with 28 volunteers, including several local businesses, members of local "In Bloom" groups, and community organisations, turning up to help. Their combined efforts made a significant impact on the grounds.

H Bell & Sons sent management and members of their construction team, SAR provided a plant driver and skip, James Hartley donated another skip, and PGC supplied a mini digger.

Additionally, John Shaw, PLP Construction, and Recruitment Solutions contributed much-needed refreshments. Many other individuals and groups joined the effort, making the task manageable.

Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the volunteers, the gardens are now in much better shape.

By the end of the day, residents and visitors at Springhill Hospice were already enjoying strolls along paths that had been inaccessible for months.

The transformation was met with gratitude and smiles from everyone at the hospice, and surplus refreshments were donated to residents once the work was completed.

Reflecting on the day, Louise Scott said: "What an incredible community we have in Rochdale. The support from everyone has been overwhelming.

"I was left speechless and emotional as I walked around the gardens, seeing what had been achieved by all the volunteers.

"The comments from the staff and families made all the hard work worthwhile. We had a great day working as a team, with every generation helping out, from 13 to 87 years old. Thank you to everyone."

Planting has already begun in the newly created oriental garden, which offers patients and families a peaceful space accessible directly from their rooms.

A further volunteer day is being planned to fill the sensory garden with topsoil and plants. Anyone interested in lending a hand is encouraged to contact the hospice.