Makeover for garden at Newcastle hospice

Sep 7 2010 by Amy Hunt, The Journal

A HOSPICE was given a helping hand to improve its grounds. Green-fingered employees from Procter & Gamble (P&G) completed a Ground Force-style makeover for the Marie Curie Hospice in Newcastle.

More than 30 volunteers from the firm’s office at Cobalt Park spent an afternoon helping to transform the 600sqm in-patient garden area at the West End of Newcastle hospice as part of P&G’s Community Matters Programme.

P&G’s Greg Warren, one of the challenge coordinators, said: “We knew that transforming such a large garden in just an afternoon would be hard work. But everyone involved has rolled up their sleeves, put in lots of effort and enjoyed themselves at the same time.

“After removing moss and weeds and cleaning out the fountains, we’ve been able to create something Alan Titchmarsh would be proud of, and that the residents and visitors will all enjoy.”

At the purpose-built hospice in the West End of Newcastle, Marie Curie Cancer Care provides free care for more than 400 in-patients with cancer and other illnesses each year as well as offering an extensive day care service for out-patients. A team of dedicated Marie Curie Nurses also work across the North East, offering people care in their own homes and giving patients a choice as to where they spend their final days.

Pauline Lowes, manager for Marie Curie Hospice, Newcastle said: “We are so grateful to the P&G team for giving up their time to help us. Ensuring that our patients and visitors have the best possible environment, both inside and outside the hospice, is very important to us, and with so many people helping, our gardens look so much better.”

Anne Perrin, P&G Community Matters coordinator, added: “Through our Community Matters Programme employees from P&G’s three North East sites – at Cobalt Park, Seaton Delaval and Longbenton – have been supporting local organisations and good causes for many years, fundraising and volunteering their time.

“It is great to know that local patients and their families will benefit from the efforts of the P&G team at the Marie Curie Hospice.”