Across the 2022/23 season, Ulster Rugby is supporting Horatio’s Garden to raise funds for a therapeutic garden for spinal injury patients at Musgrave Park Hospital.
Supporters at the recent Interpro clash versus Munster at Kingspan Stadium generously donated £1,840 - a total that will be boosted by an anonymous donor’s pledge to double all donations made by Ulster Rugby staff, players, and supporters throughout the season.
At this game, David met with Senior Men’s players Mike Lowry, Rob Herring, and Jeff Toomaga-Allen ahead of being announced as a garden ambassador.
When I was asked to come down to have a look at Horatio’s Garden London & South East, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. The garden was far beyond what I imagined it would be like. It’s a really incredible space and I can only imagine what it would do for inpatients, outpatients, and staff members at the spinal centre at Musgrave Park Hospital.
Horatio’s Garden would have made my time in rehab tenfold better. It’s an exceptional space, and I think everyone will be thrilled to have Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland
The club will continue with its commitment to help raise the final £100k needed to build and open the charity’s Northern Ireland garden with a fundraising appeal across the province over the upcoming months.
The Spinal Injuries Unit at Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast supports over 1,200 patients from across Northern Ireland affected by spinal injury each year. Once opened, the garden will have multiple restorative benefits for patients and their families.
Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland will be designed by nine-time RHS Chelsea gold medallist, Andy Sturgeon. It will offer patients and their families the chance to enjoy horticultural therapy, along with a variety of creative workshops, live music, and seasonal events.
To donate to the appeal, and show your support for everyone affected by spinal injury, please visit https://www.horatiosgarden.org.uk/the-gardens/horatios-garden-northern-ireland/.