Brushes, blooms and bakes… A day of corporate volunteering at Horatio’s Garden
On a sunny Tuesday morning, the Spinal Injury team at Bolt Burdon Kemp swapped laptops for paint brushes as we made our way to Stanmore Hospital in London for a special corporate volunteering day with Horatio’s Garden. It was a day filled with sunshine, good company and an impressive spread of homemade cakes.
Our day began with a warm welcome from the lovely Tracey, Lily, and Liz of Horatio’s Garden London & South East who kindly gave us an insight into the history of the garden and showed us around the beautiful grounds. The charity provides vibrant gardens in NHS spinal injury centres to boost patients’ wellbeing.
We’ve been volunteering with Horatio’s Garden for a while now, also working with the charity at the Stoke Mandeville hospital. But for many of us, it was our first time at Stanmore and what a first impression it made!
From the soothing sounds of the water fountains to the relaxing nature of the private pods, the space felt like a sanctuary.
The toy ducks floating in the fountains and the captivating artwork scattered throughout the tearoom made me realise just how important this space is — not only for the patients, but also for their families and little ones. It offers a peaceful escape from the clinical sounds of the hospital, providing comfort and calm for those living with spinal cord injuries and their loved ones.
After catching up with the Stanmore team over coffee, it was time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Tasked with refreshing the office and greenhouse, we wasted no time. We began with a deep clean before tackling the first coat of paint—and what a transformation it was! With every brushstroke, the spaces became brighter, lighter, and more inviting for the gardeners and volunteers who dedicate so much time to the garden’s upkeep.
Once the first coat of paint was complete we gathered for lunch where we were honoured to hear personal stories from patients and their families, each one revealing just how much Horatio’s Garden has meant during their recovery at Stanmore.
We spoke with families and friends visiting their loved ones, many of whom had travelled long distances to be there. Hearing their stories highlighted how the garden provides a vital comforting space, offering warmth, peace, and a sense of home during what can often be a long and emotional rehabilitation process.
We had our usual friendly team bake-off over lunch with everyone sampling each other’s cakes and swapping tips on icing techniques and fluffy sponges.
Fuelled by some well needed sugar we then dived back into painting and gardening, starting back up with a second coat for the office and greenhouse. With our brushwork now finely tuned, we flew through the task bringing both spaces to life with a fresh, clean finish.
With the painting wrapped up, we spread out across the garden to take on a few final tasks. I took to watering the thirsty pots and plants, which were basking in the unexpected 20-degree sunshine. Meanwhile, Alex and Charlotte set off around the ward armed with a freshly stocked cake trolley, delivering sweet treats to the patients. The lemon drizzle, in particular, was a clear favourite!
Once all the work was done, we took a quiet moment to unwind in the garden, soaking up the afternoon sun and the gentle stillness around us. Tulips bloomed in vibrant colours, and the sunlight spilled softly into each of the garden pods. It was the perfect end to a fulfilling day.
We said our goodbyes to the wonderful team at Horatio’s Garden, heading home with sun on our faces, paint on our clothes, and a shared sense of having contributed to something truly special.
