Rotary Club gives £10,000 boost to hospital care garden
Seriously ill people will have a newly revamped palliative care garden to spend time with their relatives thanks to local Rotarians.
Whitley Bay Rotary Club has donated £10,000 to the Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity to support plans to refurbish and expand the garden at North Tyneside Hospital.
The donation was raised through two of the club's biggest fundraising events - the Tree of Light appeal and a Race Night, both supported by generous members of the local community.
Held at North Tyneside Hospital over the festive period, the Tree of Light appeal invited supporters to make a donation and leave a personal message on a large Christmas tree, including tributes to those who have been lost but not forgotten.
When Rotary learned about the fundraising efforts, the amount raised through the events was matched, doubling the final donation to £10,000.
The palliative care garden project aims to provide a tranquil setting where patients and families can spend time together away from clinical surroundings.
The improvements will help create a welcoming environment that supports wellbeing and reflection during difficult times.
Julien Hunter, former chairman of Whitley Bay Rotary Club, said: “We know how important this garden is.
"It’s a place where patients can find calm, where families can gather their thoughts, and where staff – who give so much of themselves every day – can take a moment to breathe.”
He added: “This cheque is more than a donation. It’s a thank you to the hospital team, to the volunteers and to Bright for the work they do for our community.”
Rob Graham, head of Bright Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Whitley Bay Rotary Club and everyone who supported the Tree of Light appeal and Race Night.
“This generous donation will make a real difference to the palliative care garden and the experience of patients and families who use it.
“The garden provides comfort, peace and a connection to nature at a time when it is needed most and this support will help us create an even more welcoming space for patients, families and staff.”
For more information about Bright and how to support projects across Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, visit bright.northumbria.nhs.uk