Future patients and family members spending time at Winchester Hospice will have a special place to reflect and spend time together, thanks to a generous donation from Bible Society.
It has been announced that the hospice will benefit from a special garden being created by multi-award-winning designer Sarah Eberle for Bible Society’s display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2020.
After being viewed at the event, which is attended by over 150,000 visitors each year including members of the royal family, the garden will be recreated at Winchester Hospice, where patients, their loved ones and staff will all be able to enjoy it.
The garden, based on Psalm 23, will provide a quiet space for reflection for those of all faiths and none.
Maddy Thomson, clinical matron of palliative and end of life care at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which will run Winchester Hospice, said: “The garden will represent a special place for our patients and their families, who can enjoy precious moments in this beautiful outdoor space.
“We are absolutely delighted that we will be able to offer this as part of the care and support we provide, and know that it will make a huge difference to the families being supported by Winchester Hospice. Our huge thanks go to Bible Society and Sarah Eberle for this incredible gift.”
The garden will make its way to Winchester after the flower show in May 2020, with alterations made to fit the space inside the grounds of the converted Burrell House and make it practical for a hospice environment.
Hazel Southam, spokeswoman for Bible Society, added: “Donating the garden to the Winchester Hospice seemed to be such a fitting final piece of the story, as the psalm offers something to reflect on as we journey through life. We hope that patients can find comfort and joy in this space.”
Winchester hospice will have 10 inpatient rooms as well as outpatient facilities, acting as a hub for specialist palliative care both on site and in the community, allowing the expert team to be there to care for patients with long-term illnesses and those at the end of their lives.
It is hoped that Winchester Hospice will open its doors in early 2021, but a further £1million needs to be raised – and there are plenty of ways to get involved. For more information, visit www.winchesterhospice.com.
