Scoo-b-doo sanctuary charity garden

I am raising funds to help build a sanctuary garden based at Gloucester Royal Hospital (GRH) and dedicated to Scoo-b-doo, the neonatal charity based there in their 40th year. 

The garden is specifically designed to be a calming and relaxing refuge from the sometimes stressful situations NHS staff, patients and their families find themselves in whilst needing the essential care GRH provides. Visitors to the garden will be able to immerse themselves in the soothing sounds of running water and the sounds, sights and smells of a naturalistic garden. This will offer a relief to all those who use the space allowing for a dramatic reduction in stress and anxiety, the collection of thoughts and mindful reflection.

In 2020, during the lockdown, myself and my little boy, needed the expert care provided by the staff and facilities at GRH and Scoo-b-doo. As an RHS award-winning garden designer, this is the perfect way I can give something back to the charity and the NHS, for whom I will be eternally grateful and without whom, we would not be here today.

Scoo-B-Doo was established in 1982 by a small group of grateful parents, doctors and nurses. Today, the registered charity is still run entirely by volunteers and supports the Neonatal Unit at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in caring for sick and premature babies from Gloucestershire and beyond.

From day one, the charity has been actively fundraising to provide equipment and essential items. Over 80% of the equipment used on the ward every day has been funded by Scoo-B-Doo, helping to ensure the babies are given the best possible care. 100% of every donation goes to help the wards tiny patients and their families.

The NHS does it’s part too of course, providing us with a building and paying for all of the dedicated medical staff as well as the life-saving drugs used on the ward. But with the NHS under constant financial pressure, the money Scoo-B-Doo raises is vital in supporting the service and that is critical to the survival of these vulnerable patients.