Chronically-ill boy's garden gets makeover

The makeover is due to be finished by the end of Wednesday

The mother of a chronically-ill toddler says a garden makeover will allow the family "to make magical memories".

Two-year-old Louis has heart problems, chronic lung disease and needs mobility aids to walk - meaning he currently cannot enjoy the family garden, due to the uneven land.

Children's charity WellChild is doing a makeover of the garden at the family's home in Hemsted, on the outskirts of Gloucester, as part of its Helping Hands project.

Louis' mother Lydia said making the garden a space the whole family could enjoy was "vital".

She said: "The outside space isn't level. The garden has lots of bumps so Louis isn't able to utilise it and enjoy the outdoor space with his siblings."

The garden will have a play corner for Louis with sensory toys

Keiran Cullan, programme manager for Helping Hands, said he rarely got the chance to work on a project in his home county of Gloucestershire.

"Most of the time I live away from home in a van. It's really nice to be at home and get people I know involved," he said.

"We are going to extend the existing patio and make sure the walkways around the garden are accessible.

"In the corner we are going to create an area with artificial grass and play mats and put some sensory stuff there, so Louis can get out and enjoy being in this space with his family," Mr Cullan added.

Volunteers from British Gas are helping Wellchild with the garden makeover, which is scheduled to be finished by the end of Wednesday.