FIVE intrepid cyclists making their way across the British Isles to visit spinal injury units in the UK, raising funds for Horatio's Garden, have stopped in Oswestry.

The team taking on the mammoth task of cycling to all 11 NHS spinal injury centres in the UK comprises Horatio’s brother Titus, Toby Morgan-Grenville, a former spinal injuries patient, Horatio’s best friend Robin Butler, Olivia Caplan and Mortimer McKechnie.

The five will be covering 1,100 miles as part of their efforts and arrived at the garden at Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI), based at RJAH in Gobowen, with the garden the fourth created by the charity.

Horatio's Garden creates, installs and cares for beautiful gardens in NHS spinal injury centres across the UK, named after Horatio Chapple who was tragically killed on an expedition in Svalbard aged 17.

Titus said: “I am so proud of what my parents have achieved in memory of my brother Horatio.

"The cycle challenge is a big undertaking, but I am delighted to be taking part to help raise funds for future Horatio’s Gardens across the country, giving more people living with spinal injury access to these beautiful sanctuaries.

"I know Horatio will be watching our backs and encouraging us all the way.”

Horatio’s Garden at RJAH was designed by six-time RHS Chelsea Gold Medal winner and BBC Gardeners’ Question Time panellist, Bunny Guinness and opened in 2019.

The team’s aim, in raising £50,000, is to highlight the specialist needs of patients with spinal cord injuries and the centres of excellence where they are cared for.

A spokesman added: "A spinal injury can happen to anyone at any age and after the life-changing event, patients often spend six months or more in the Formica world of an NHS hospital.

"Everyone is in shock after the trauma – not only the patient themselves, but also their family and friends.

"Dreams and hopes for the future are shattered and everyone is going through a psychologically challenging time.

The charity plans to establish a Horatio’s Garden at all 11 NHS spinal injury centres, including the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Southport District General Hospital.

As the team cycle into Salisbury at the end of the challenge, they will be joined by award-winning garden designer and TV presenter, Arit Anderson, along with three-time Olympic gold medal winning rower, Pete Reed.

Pete suffered a spinal stroke in 2019 and spent many hours in the garden at Salisbury District Hospital, and said: “Horatio’s Garden was a lifeline during tough times."

To support the 11-day Horatio’s Cycle challenge, please visit www.horatiosgarden.org.uk/horatioscycle and follow their journey on Instagram at @horatioscycle.