A day of digging in – volunteering day at Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville
Bolt Burdon Kemp’s Green Side
As specialist spinal injury lawyers, we have always found the work we do to support our clients with spinal injuries hugely rewarding both on a professional and personal level. Yet, our passion for helping those in need extends to the great outdoors. Volunteering for spinal injury charities has become a source of joy, and our volunteering day at Horatio’s Garden was an exceptional day in the field, quite literally! We rolled up our sleeves and got our hands dirty in the garden, all for a wonderful cause.
A call to action: reviving the meadow at Horatio’s Garden
When the email arrived with a request for some help, we got very excited and just couldn’t refuse. The head gardener, Amy, needed a helping hand in restoring part of the garden following essential hospital construction works. Our mission was clear; to rejuvenate the space and create a tranquil meadow where spinal injury patients could seek solace and growth.
Into the garden we go: Getting muddy for a great cause
We eagerly accepted the mission and with legal documents neatly tucked away, ventured into the garden, armed with spades, rakes, and some much needed determination.
The soil had become stubbornly compacted due to the heavy machinery used during the construction works. Our first task was to break it free and prepare the ground for the meadow our task master Amy envisioned. The feeling of getting stuck into the earth was immensely satisfying. As we worked, the thought of patients, staff, and visitors finding solace in this space spurred us on.
Bringing along some delicious vegan chocolate cake, we were hoping to bring smiles and joy to the garden room filled with patients, their families and staff seeking a break from the clinical environment. The feedback on the cake was really heartwarming and kept us motivated to complete our mission.
Learning from the masters: Time with Amy and Stephen
Our volunteering day was also a great opportunity to spend some time with Amy who kindly shared her extensive knowledge about all things green. We quickly learned that sowing a meadow was a far more intricate process than we had ever imagined. Our gardening skills received a significant boost thanks to her guidance.
We also met Stephen who recently joined the Horatio’s Garden team and we spoke about the charity’s exciting fundraising initiatives.
As Horatio’s Garden regional partners for Stoke Mandeville and London & South East, we are eager to support the charity’s fundraising efforts in any way we can, knowing they contribute to enhancing the lives of those with spinal cord injuries.
A Garden of Hope
Given the work we do, we understand the significance of a beautiful space like Horatio’s Garden and how it can be a lifeline for patients with spinal injuries during their long rehabilitation and beyond.
Our volunteering day was more than just planting flowers; it was about sowing hope, growth, and comfort for those who need it. As specialist spinal injury lawyers, we are proud to wear many hats, but the one that lets us get our hands dirty and make a difference is, without a doubt, our favourite!
We’re excited about the future and look forward to continuing our journey supporting Horatio’s Garden.
