Grimsby hospital unveils new garden funded by community effort

The Child Development Centre (CDC) at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby is preparing to unveil its newly transformed outdoor play and sensory garden on 17th September, an achievement made possible through a remarkable community fundraising effort.

The project, led by The Health Tree Foundation, raised over £25,000 to convert previously unused space into a vibrant outdoor environment where children and families can relax while attending outpatient appointments.

A wide variety of donors and fundraisers contributed to the initiative, including local businesses like Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, which made a significant donation of £15,000.

The newly designed garden includes sensory elements, outdoor play opportunities, new flooring, seating, and wooden play areas, benefiting teams from physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, dietetics, and other outpatient services.

Gemma Fleet, co-owner of Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, expressed her enthusiasm for the project.

“This will make a real difference to the children, and we’re delighted to be involved,” Fleet said.

Jordana Snowden, a team leader in children’s outpatients, highlighted the importance of sensory features, noting their benefit to the children visiting the centre.

“We have focused on sensory features because many of the children who visit us benefit from that type of environment,” Snowden said.

The project was delivered with the support of Newby Leisure, which carried out the garden works, ensuring a space that will support children and families for years to come.