A festive display has been installed in a hospice’s garden for patients and visitors to enjoy – thanks to the support of a garden centre.
The In-patient Unit (IPU) gardens at St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester have been decorated with twinkling lights and Christmas trees.
The display was created with the support of Webbs Garden Centres, which donated sets of sparkling lights and three, six-foot Christmas trees.
The hospice team contacted Webbs to help decorate the garden, as stringent infection control measures in place for the pandemic mean the IPU cannot be decorated as usual.
Louise Webb, of Webbs which has a branch in Wychbold, near Droitwich, said: “We were delighted, as always, to be asked to help out. Christmas is such an important time of year for friends and family, and it feels particularly so this year.
“After St Richard’s sent us the garden layout, the Christmas team at Webbs excitedly put together a lighting plan which would enable the patients to enjoy the light display from their rooms.”
Each year, the St Richard’s teams work to make Christmas at the hospice as homely and joyful as possible for patients over the festive season.
Tricia Cavell, hospice Fundraising Director, said: “We know Christmas can be an especially difficult and emotional time for those we care for.
“When a loved one is nearing the end of their life, and a family is facing what might be their last Christmas together, the celebrations become even more precious.
“While the pandemic means we can’t celebrate Christmas in the same way as usual, we are finding ways to make the season special for the patients with us at this time.
“Thanks to the help of Webbs’ generous donation, patients will be able to look out at a shining display from the warmth of their rooms. We hope it helps bring some Christmas cheer to those with us over the festive period.
“Webbs has generously supported us for many years, and donates beautiful trees to decorate the hospice building each Christmas. We are so grateful to Webbs for its continued help in bringing Christmas to St Richard’s!”