Patients with spinal injuries at Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast are set to benefit from a new partnership between Ulster Rugby and Horatio’s Garden, a charity that creates and nurtures therapeutic gardens in NHS spinal injury centres across the UK.
Today marks the launch of the club’s commitment to help raise the final £100k needed to build and open the NI garden, with kick-off activity for the partnership planned for throughout tonight’s Round 3 BKT United Rugby Championship fixture at Kingspan Stadium.
The fundraising appeal across the province will be boosted by an anonymous donor’s pledge to double all donations made by Ulster Rugby staff, players, and supporters throughout the season.
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.
As part of the partnership, Ulster Rugby are set to visit the unit, with a calendar of engagement planned with the charity over the coming months.
Dr Olivia Chapple, Founder and Chair of Trustees of Horatio’s Garden set up in memory of her son said:
“With Ulster Rugby having such a huge presence across the province, and being passionate supporters of the local community too, we couldn’t think of better partners to help our final efforts to build, and open Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland in 2023. My son, Horatio, who loved sports would be hugely grateful to the players, staff, and fans of Ulster Rugby for their support this season.”
Jonny Petrie, Ulster Rugby CEO, said:
“In the year ahead, we look forward to playing our part in supporting Horatio’s Garden to create its next garden, which will benefit the many patients who receive treatment at Musgrave Park Hospital following a life-changing spinal injury.
“From speaking to the team, and hearing about the impact that previous projects have already had, it’s an opportunity for our staff, players, and supporters to make a real difference to those affected across the province, and it seems fitting to launch the partnership at one of our biggest games of the season.”
Dr Suzanne Maguire, a Consultant in Rehabilitation at the Spinal Cord Injuries Unit said:
“It is my hope having a Horatio’s Garden at the spinal unit in Musgrave Park Hospital will transform the lives of patients during their time in rehabilitation. The presence of a garden will allow people to escape the clinical environment and experience the happiness and freedom brought about by the outside world. I am delighted Ulster Rugby is supporting the building of such an important place for spinal patients admitted here from across NI. The benefits go beyond words.”
Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland, designed by nine-time RHS Chelsea gold medallist Andy Sturgeon will give patients, their loved ones, and NHS staff a social and recreational place to spend time together.
It will also offer people the chance to enjoy horticultural therapy, along with a variety of creative workshops, live music, and seasonal events. It will be a home away from home for patients and their families, helping them to adjust to living with life-changing injuries throughout their months in hospital.
To donate to the Horatio’s Garden’s Northern Ireland appeal and show your support for everyone affected by spinal injury, please visit www.horatiosgarden.org.uk/the-gardens/horatios-garden-northern-ireland/; or text “RUCK” to 70450 to donate £5. Any amount you can give will have an enormous impact.
