Rejuvenating the Jane Ashley garden at the Churchill Hospital

Patients, staff and charity supporters have come together to celebrate the official opening of the Jane Ashley Garden at the Churchill Hospital, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the rejuvenated space.

The garden was one of the first green spaces Oxford Hospitals Charity funded, back when the Cancer Centre opened at Oxford University Hospitals in 2009.

Over the years, the space has provided a place of peace and reflection for many but had started to show signs of wear and was in need of some care and attention.

Thanks to the generous support of the Ashley Charitable Trust, new life has once again been breathed into the special space.

The garden was officially opened by Neil Ashley, a former Chairman of the Trust. He said: "The Jane Ashley Garden was funded in memory of my late wife, who was treated at the Churchill with breast cancer.

"It's a much-used green sanctuary at the very centre of the hospital, and after so many years of constant use, my family is honoured to have funded its reconstruction and given it a new life to be shared for many years to come."

Earlier this year, members of the charity team, along with staff volunteers from the Churchill, joined forces to plant more than 300 flowers and shrubs, helping to bring the borders back to life.

With brand-new railway sleeper borders, a shaded seating area, and multiple peaceful spots to sit and relax, it is now the perfect place for staff, patients and visitors to get some fresh air and sanctuary.

Tamsin Rawlings, Head of Major Gifts at Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: "Moments after the reopening of the Jane Ashley Garden at the Churchill, staff and patients were outside enjoying the fully refurbished space. They told us that they were so excited they ran straight out and talked about just how much the space means to them and their patients."

Victoria, a former patient at the Churchill, said: "I spent some very peaceful and restorative hours in the garden while being treated for cancer. It is a wonderful resource and will, I hope, continue to be used and loved by patients and staff."

Hayley Smith, Matron, Oncology Directorate Management, was at the opening and said: "I had the privilege of attending the opening of the Jane Ashley Garden and I must say it was a delightful experience.

"The garden is truly a gem, with its inviting seating areas and the gentle flow of plants that create a serene atmosphere. It has become a wonderful tranquil area for patients, their relatives, and staff alike. Being able to take a moment to step out, get some fresh air, and distance oneself from the clinical environment, even if just for a few minutes, can make such a significant difference in one's day.

"Whether you are a patient or a staff member, this serene space offers much-needed respite. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Mr Ashley and Oxford Hospital Charity for their continued support in making this beautiful garden a reality. Your generosity and dedication have provided us with a calming sanctuary that will undoubtedly benefit many."