Celebrating community, care, and the extraordinary support that Marie Curie provides

The National Garden Scheme has been supporting Marie Curie for over 25 years. Gardens are central to both charities, with hospice gardens being very special to the people Marie Curie support, their staff and volunteers. Each year Marie Curie hospice gardens open under the Scheme and on June 23^rd the Newcastle Hospice and West Midlands Hospice gardens opened again to the public.

At the openings, visitors could immerse themselves in the beauty of the gardens and talk with dedicated Marie Curie staff and volunteers to learn more about the vital care and support provided by the UK’s leading end of life charity.

Newcastle Hospice Garden Opening

The Newcastle Hospice garden opening provided a fun and relaxing afternoon, filled with activities and entertainment. Visitors enjoyed light refreshments at the garden café, while a live band played for all the guests.

To increase fundraising for the National Garden Scheme, the wonderful ladies from Marie Curie’s local charity shop had a small stall, along with the volunteer gardeners holding a plant sale.

The event was a resounding success, bringing together supporters and showcasing the garden’s beauty in full bloom while the sun shined.

A visitor to the garden said: “I had a lovely walk round the garden with hubby, enjoyed a cup of tea and a lovely piece of apple pie with cream… I even managed to win a few prizes on the tombola. Thank you to the volunteers.”

 

West Midlands Hospice Garden Opening

At the Solihull Hospice garden opening, guests enjoyed the surrounding area, whilst reflecting on the importance of the gardens that serves as a central sanctuary for the Hospice.

Explaining the importance of the gardens to the people Marie Curie support and of the volunteers, Garden Volunteer Do Connoly said: “The patient rooms at the hospice are all arranged around the gardens, giving easy access to both patients and their families and are such an important part of the hospice. Our team of 27 volunteers have been working hard throughout the year to ensure the garden is looking beautiful and full of colour and a peaceful space for our patients, families, staff, and volunteers to enjoy and spend some time with nature.”

The garden opening was a great success, with a silent auction, offering visitors a chance to win prizes while contributing to the Hospice cause. Guests were also able to relax and soak up the tranquil surroundings of the gardens.

These garden openings were more than just a showcase of beautiful landscapes; they were a celebration of community, care, and the extraordinary support Marie Curie provides.  They highlighted the important role that these gardens play, not only as a place of beauty but as a source of solace and inspiration for patients, staff, and visitors alike.

When speaking about the support the National Garden Scheme has given Marie Curie, partnership manager Haddy Darboe said, “We are so incredibly grateful for the National Garden Scheme’s continued support of Marie Curie, especially all their amazing volunteers and of course, all those who visit their garden openings. I am so excited to see what more we can achieve together.”

For more about the partnership click here

 

Lead image: A Healthcare Assistant cares for a patient at the Marie Curie Hospice, Hampstead.