Businesses from Leeds, Bradford and Halifax teamed up with local Keighley and Bingley businesses to donate materials and manpower to “The Big Dig”, a project focusing on the rejuvenation of the outdoor space of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust’s Ward 5.
Ward 5 supports the recovery and recuperation of patients who have had a stroke. Dependant on the severity of the stroke, recovery can stretch out over a long period of time so outside space is vital for the physical and mental health of patients.
Angela Gordon, Matron for Medicine said: “The benefits of having a useable outdoor space and garden include sensory stimulation which can greatly improve a patient’s wellbeing alongside aiding their recovery.
“We’re really grateful to everyone who has been involved with this project, it’s given us all a beautiful green space to enjoy”.
Steve Tighe Director of Shelby Group saw an opportunity to give something back to his local hospital.
He said: “We were grateful for the opportunity to donate our time and some shrubs to the Ward 5 Courtyard Big Dig.
“It was great to spend some time in the fresh air, flexing our green fingers and chatting with the team. The finished courtyard looks and smells wonderful. It’s brilliant to see this new space being used to support the rehabilitation of the patients and the wellbeing of the staff of Ward 5.”
S&T Glazing, Calder CAD – Travis Perkins, Hive, Eastburn Stores and Bingley Garden Centre are just a few of the other businesses who were happy to contribute to a worthy cause. With brand new seating placed in the courtyard and a colourful plant wall, the space has been given a new lease of life.
Jodie Hearnshaw, Airedale Hospital & Community Charity Manager said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who banded together for The Big Dig! It will make such a difference to the Ward 5 patients now that we’re into the warmer months.
“The outdoor space has been in use right from the opening, everyone has commented on what a fantastic job has been carried out. To everyone involved thank you so much for your support with this project”.
Over 150 hours of manpower was donated to the project from Robertson Construction, Ellis Williams, Shelby Group, Distinctive LTD, Westend Joiners and NG Baileys.
Jonathan Sizer, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Yorkshire East Midlands, said: “Along with key members of our supply chain working at Airedale Hospital, we were delighted to lend our support to “The Big Dig”. Through our work we have been able to support the extended work that the hospital does, and the team were more than happy to assist with creating a new garden area to aid recovery and recouperation for the patients of Ward 5.”
To find out more about volunteer opportunities and how you can get volunteer with Airedale Hospital & Community Charity visit www.airedalecharity.org or contact the team by email anhsft.charity@nhs.net or phone 01535 294870.
