17 August 2017
A courtyard used by young patients on the Children’s Oncology Ward at the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford has been transformed thanks to the kindness of volunteers and a local charity.
Pictured from left Dawn Walder, Lisa Gilks and Lucy Moore.
The Harry Johnson Trust funded the work to plant new flower beds and paint the fence panels in the courtyard to make it more welcoming for patients.
The work was carried out last month by volunteers, together with staff at chartered accountants Whittingham Riddell who volunteered as part of a “making a difference day”.
Further work is planned for the future, including the installation of a summer house, which will enable our children and families to have some private time, in the fresh air away from the ‘clinical feel’ of their bed space.
Sally Johnson, who launched the Harry Johnson Trust in November 2014 following the death of her seven year old son Harry in July of that year, also volunteered on the day.
Harry died following a nine month fight with Double Hit Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
The trust offers help and support to children and teenagers who receive care from the Oncology Team at PRH.
Lisa Gilks, Children’s Ward Manager at PRH, said: “The courtyard looks fantastic and our young patients really like the colourful new-look.
“We really appreciate the support of everyone who helped make it happen, from our own Estates team through to staff from Whittingham Riddell, and of course Sally Johnson who not only donated money through the Harry Johnson Trust to allow the work to take place, but also volunteered herself.
“We consider ourselves very fortunate, the local community provides amazing support for our ward, what is different on this occasion is that people donated time, which you cannot measure, their time, compassion, creative ideas and dedication is going to make a huge difference to our families and children.”