A garden has helped improve the well-being of thousands of patients with spinal injuries.

Horatio's Garden Midlands, situated at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, has celebrated its fifth anniversary.

The garden has supported many patients from North Wales, Mid-Wales, South Mersey, Cheshire, and the West Midlands who have suffered life-changing spinal injuries since September 2019.

New research has revealed that 100 per cent of patients feel their wellbeing has improved, and 91 per cent feel that the garden supports their mental health.

The garden is a place of reflection and adjustment for patients who spend many months in the hospital, rebuilding their lives.

The sanctuary has supported around 380 patients each year in the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI) in Oswestry, along with their families, NHS staff, and outpatients.

Data collected by researchers from the University of Oxford’s Crankstart Internship Programme highlights the garden's importance in the mental and physical recovery of patients, their families, and hospital teams.

The accessible garden was designed by landscape and garden designer Bunny Guinness, a six-time RHS Chelsea Gold medal winner.

Created and run by Horatio’s Garden charity, it offers the immersive benefits of nature, spaces for privacy and socialising, gardening therapy, an arts programme, and seasonal events.

Pam Wright, a patient, who first visited the garden four years ago, said: "I came out here as soon as I could the first time I was at the hospital.

"In 2020, it was fairly new, so there was a big buzz about Horatio’s Garden.

"When you come out here, it’s just phenomenal.

"Absolutely phenomenal."

She added: "Coming back here four years later and seeing all the beautiful plants has just been incredible.

"It’s a privilege to be at a hospital like this with a garden like this.

"I like meeting my friends in the garden and just spending time there.

"I think it helps you to build your confidence, and it helps to be able to sit down with like-minded people and share your experiences."

Mr Joy Roy Chowdhury, clinical lead and consultant surgeon in spinal surgeries, said: "Horatio’s Garden helps our patients a lot.

"It not only helps them in their physical wellbeing, but also their psychological wellbeing.

"Once their mind is in a better place, their rehabilitation experience improves, and it can reduce people’s hospital stays.

"It’s so mentally peaceful to be outside in the garden and it’s lovely for everyone to have some breathing space every day."

Dr Olivia Chapple OBE EMH, founder of Horatio’s Garden, said: "A spinal injury can happen to anyone – young or old – and the ripple effect on a whole family and community can be devastating.

"The spinal injury centre plays a brilliant role in rebuilding lives and offering rehabilitation, but it is essential that our garden sits alongside that, offering privacy and solace, joy and companionship, to all who need it.

"Today we are five years old and in that time, we have seen hundreds of people both in wheelchairs and hospital beds starting to find hope again in Horatio’s Garden.

"We know that NHS staff see those transformative benefits every day.

"We are so proud and deeply grateful for everyone who has made that possible."

To mark its fifth anniversary, the charity’s staff and volunteers hosted a special celebration for patients, their loved ones, and NHS staff.

A fifth-anniversary drinks reception at Brynkinalt Hall will be hosted by The Trevor Family, who have generously supported Horatio’s Garden Midlands for many years.

Horatio’s Garden Midlands was the fourth garden opened by Horatio's Garden.

The charity’s vision is to create gardens in all 11 NHS spinal injury centres in the UK, ensuring everyone with a spinal injury has access to Horatio’s Garden.