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A garden which is used by stroke patients as part of their rehabilitation process has been given a make-over thanks to an army of volunteers and generous donations from the community.
Hannah’s Garden, at Maidstone Hospital, was created seven years ago after former stroke patient Hannah Green raised £5,000 to transform what was then a small grassy area next to the Stroke Unit into a tranquil space so that patients had somewhere to have some of their physiotherapy sessions outside or just to sit quietly and enjoy the sunshine.
Over time, the area had started to look a little tired and it was decided to give it a spruce-up.
The renovated garden has two new benches, multi-surface paths, plants and landscaping work, and a bespoke mural of a natural landscape painted by artist Luiza Jordan, with Tom Johnson creating a video of her at work on the creation.
The garden was officially re-opened today by its founder Hannah Green who returned for a small, socially distanced ceremony. Mrs Green was accompanied by her husband, Andrew, with other guests including contractors who had provided gardening and construction services for the garden.
Mrs Green, from Maidstone, said: "I know only too well through my own personal experiences that patients who are undergoing rehabilitation in a hospital setting following a stroke want to be able to go outside and enjoy the sunshine, have the opportunity for some peace or be able to have some of their physiotherapy sessions outside.
“During my long recovery in hospital it was difficult to get my wheelchair over the rough grass outside the Stroke Unit."
Video by Tom Johnson
"I wanted to be able to create a tranquil area away from the ward and put in some beautiful plants to make the area as attractive as possible. Gardening can also be a really useful therapy for stroke patients.
"The stroke garden includes two benches in memory of my mum and dad that were kindly donated by staff at Notcutts Garden Centre, where my mum used to work.
"This will create an attractive seating area for patients, their family and friends, and staff to enjoy."
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