Family Transforms Hospital Garden in Memory of Much-Loved Grandmother

A family has transformed a garden at St Luke’s Hospital in Market Harborough in memory of their much-loved grandmother.

Jill Barnett, who died aged 92, spent her final days in the hospital’s End-of-Life suite after suffering a stroke.

Donations made in her memory, boosted by matched funding from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s charity, Raising Health, have paid for the refurbishment.

Jill, who was affectionately known as “Mamar” by her family, received specialist palliative care at the community hospital after being transferred from an acute hospital.

Wanting to thank staff for the kindness and compassion shown to Jill and her family, relatives asked for donations in lieu of flowers at her funeral.

Family members and friends joined volunteers from insurance company AXA to carry out the work, coordinated by the Trust’s charity and volunteering teams.

Jill’s granddaughter Amy Gray spoke to HFM:

Friends, family and volunteers from AXA who helped transform the garden in memory of Jill Barnett (inset)  joined by staff from the hospital

The team cleared and weeded the garden, restored and repainted a bench, refreshed planting beds and introduced a variety of flowers and plants.

Daffodils have also been planted in the circular garden area and are expected to provide a colourful display next spring.

Callum Wright, a family friend who helped bring together the AXA volunteers through its Hearts in Action scheme, said the project was a wonderful way to support a cause close to the family’s hearts.

He added: “Seeing the transformation of the garden and knowing it will bring comfort to so many people in the future made every minute worthwhile.”

Magda Korytkowska, fundraising manager for Raising Health, said the project demonstrated what could be achieved when families, communities, businesses and charitable funding worked together.

She said: “Thanks to the generosity of the family and the commitment of AXA volunteers, the garden has been transformed into an even more welcoming environment.”

The refurbished garden will continue to provide a calm outdoor space for patients receiving palliative care and their families.