St Marys Hospital Childrens' Garden

Some years ago a small garden was made outside of the Children's ward at St Mary's Hospital. However this was not maintained and became neglected and overgrown. 

The Isle of Wight Rotary clubs were asked if they would they like to undertake to upgrade it and make it somewhere that the children could sit out and enjoy while they were convalescing in hospital. This was in 2020! We then had the pandemic and things dragged on while plans were drawn up and quotes were obtained, and a follow up plan finally agreed with the hospital management that it would be maintained by them after the new garden was completed. 

The total cost of this project was some £13,000.00. 

Fund raising started in earnest in early 2023 with donations from Island firms & individuals, a donation from the Rotary District, along with quizzes, a sponsored row by Sandown President Ian Fletcher, a garden open day etc. etc.

This effort raised just over the required amount, and work began.    The garden area now has freshly painted walls, new decking and raised flower beds for the children to enjoy.   The surplus of the funds raised was used to purchase other items that the children's ward needed.

The garden was officially opened and handed over to the hospital on 13th July 2024 by District Governor Debbie Dunford.