A FUNDRAISING drive to raise £50,000 for a new sensory garden for dementia patients at Warwick Hospital is being given an athletic boost.
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust is planning to transform an underused piece of land at the Lakin Road hospital to create the new dementia-friendly garden.
It has so far raised £6,890 for the project, but has received a welcome boost from The Wigley Group Warwick Half Marathon – with the local community invited to help play their part.
The Trust’s charitable arm, SWFT Charity, is the official charity partner for the half marathon and has been given 50 free places for the run, with each runner asked to raise at least £250 for SWFT Charity.
The initiative could help to raise £12,500 towards the new sensory garden, but it is hoped other people taking part in the event on Sunday February 4 will also sign up to raise funds for the garden.
The garden will create a unique sensory experience filled with vibrant colours, soothing textures and tranquil spaces to improve the hospital experience of dementia patients, promoting active recovery and rehabilitation, as well as reducing staff stress.
Anybody can sign up for one of the 50 free places, or opt to raise cash for the garden project.
SWFT managing director Adam Carson said: “The support from The Wigley Group Warwick Half Marathon is fantastic and all of the funds raised will help us support some of our most vulnerable patients.
“The therapeutic sensory garden could make a huge difference, enabling us to make our patients’ experience as positive as possible whilst also maximising their recovery through keeping mobile and maintaining their independence.”
The sensory gardens will also have a pathway that will enable patients with wheelchairs and walking frames to make use of it.
The Wigley Group’s compliance manager Laura Liggins is running this year’s event for SWFT Charity, and anybody wishing to donate can do so at www.swftcharity.co.uk/donate
To enter The Wigley Group Warwick Half Marathon visit www.warwickhalf.com
