EAST YORKSHIRE -Families from East Yorkshire who rely on the care of Martin House Children’s Hospice are set to benefit from improved gardens after the hospice received funding from the Hull and East Riding Charitable Trust.
The grant will help transform the hospice’s outdoor spaces at Boston Spa, creating gardens that are more accessible, inclusive and therapeutic for children living with life shortening conditions.
Plans include wider wheelchair accessible pathways, sensory planting and new inclusive play equipment, making it easier for children with complex medical needs to enjoy fresh air, nature and play alongside their families.
Every year Martin House supports more than 550 children and young people from across East, North and West Yorkshire, as well as their families. The charity provides specialist palliative care completely free of charge, whether at the hospice, in hospital or in families’ own homes.
For many families, the gardens offer far more than a place to sit.
They provide moments of normality, somewhere siblings can play together, somewhere parents can take a quiet breath, and somewhere precious memories can be made during some of life’s most difficult times.
Becky Bailey, Trusts and Foundations Team Manager at Martin House, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Hull and East Riding Charitable Trust for this generous grant. Support from organisations like the Trust enables us to continue providing specialist care across East Yorkshire and beyond, and this grant will make a real difference to the children and families we support.
“The gardens at Martin House are a particularly special place for the families we support. They offer a peaceful space in moments of uncertainty, and the freedom for children who rely on complex medical equipment to enjoy being outdoors.
“Thanks to this grant, even more children and families will have opportunities to play, explore and make precious memories together.”
The funding comes as Martin House continues work to restore and reimagine its grounds following major building improvements at the hospice.
It costs more than £13 million each year to provide the charity’s specialist services, with the vast majority of funding coming from donations and fundraising. Alongside caring for children and young people, Martin House also offers emotional and practical support to parents, siblings and bereaved families.
The Hull and East Riding Charitable Trust has been supporting good causes across the region since 1985. During that time it has awarded around £8 million to approximately 1,650 charities, including £325,000 over the past year alone.
For families across East Yorkshire facing the unimaginable, places like Martin House provide expert medical care, compassion and dignity. This latest investment will help ensure its gardens continue to offer comfort, freedom and moments of joy for years to come.
To find out more about Martin House Children’s Hospice or to support its work, visit www.martinhouse.org.uk.