Oxenhope: Volunteer and building buddies create hospice garden

Lindsey Smith (above in white shirt) said the "peaceful setting gives patients the chance to do something therapeutic"

A hospice volunteer has created a garden sanctuary for patients after talking her building firm colleagues into tackling the task.

Lindsey Smith, 53, began volunteering at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope after recovering from cancer.

In her day job she works for Sutcliffe Construction where workers ran a half marathon to raise £3,000 for the materials needed for the job.

Ms Smith said creating "a relaxing space for all to enjoy felt amazing".

She said: "After I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, I decided I wanted to give something back.

"Being ill made me realise how important this type of care is for people, so I decided to start volunteering to support the nurses."

Lindsey and 15 of her building firm colleagues created the space in one day

Ms Smith, from Kildwick in North Yorkshire, said seven of her building colleagues ran the Ilkley half-marathon in July to raise the funds needed for the project, with 15 of her colleagues getting stuck in to the work to create the garden in their own time.

"It was a brilliant day and was incredible to see the teamwork, care and attention that went into it. The scheme would have cost more than £18,000 if paid for," she said.

Ms Smith said the space would be used as a herb and vegetable garden, with plans to add seating later for patients' families.

"I'm so proud of what we have achieved - it is lovely to make something like this happen from an idea to reality," she added.

Adam Brunskill, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to Lindsey and her team.

"They have helped transform a previously under-used part of the grounds into something which will be enjoyed by many for years to come."