Local pupils dig in to help wellbeing garden at Congleton War Memorial Hospital

Over 75 local school children have been showcasing their growing love for gardening by supporting with the transformation of a wellbeing garden at Congleton War Memorial Hospital. 

Pupils from schools across the town have been supporting with planting in the garden that is being created as part of the 100^th anniversary of the hospital this year.

Overseen by Congleton-based gardener Patti Pinto, with help from the local community, work has been taking place on the project which will provide a welcoming, tranquil new green space for patients, visitors and staff.

Greg Merrick, Headteacher at Saint Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Congleton, said: “Children are encouraged to help the local community and our Year 6 pupils walked up to the local hospital to help plant their new wellbeing garden, and in doing so celebrating the hospitals 100^th birthday.”

Alongside the support of the garden, pupils from the school also designed a special 100th birthday card which was presented to staff from the Aston Unit at the hospital.

Greg added: “The children wanted to help celebrate 100 years of helping the community, so decided to make a card with flowers on the front made from tissue paper, and every child in the school drew a picture of themselves to put in the card.”

The garden is being created as part of East Cheshire NHS Charity’s Wellbeing Appeal which launched earlier this year and aims to raise funds for a range of wellbeing initiatives.

Donations to the charity’s appeal will also help fund the installation of comfortable seating and secluded rest spots, allowing hospital staff to relax and unwind close to nature during their breaks and the transformation of clinical environments with calming murals and artwork. 

There are a number of ways you can get involved by hosting your own fundraising event, making a one-off donation or joining East Cheshire NHS Charity’s 100 Club which provides many benefits to businesses whilst also helping to make a difference to the experience of patients, families and staff.

For more information about the appeal, please click here.

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Image caption: Pupils from Saint Mary's Catholic Primary School help with planting.

Notes for editors

• For further information about East Cheshire NHS Trust, contact the Trust press office on 01625 663935.
• East Cheshire NHS Trust is the main provider of acute and community health services for people across East Cheshire. The Trust is based at Macclesfield District General Hospital, and also manages Congleton War Memorial Hospital and Knutsford and District Community Hospital.
• Follow East Cheshire NHS Trust on Twitter for all the latest news: @EastCheshireNHS
• East Cheshire NHS Charity goes above and beyond standard Government funding to make your local NHS that extra special. From supporting staff health and wellbeing to providing toys to brighten up our young patients’ days to making long stay patients feel more at home – our mission is to make a visible difference. You can make a donation to the charity on JustGiving here.