The Macmillan Centre at East Surrey Hospital proudly celebrated the grand opening of its beautiful new summerhouse in the therapy garden today. This exciting event marked the combination of extensive fundraising efforts and the community's remarkable support, ensuring patients can enjoy the garden's therapeutic benefits year-round.
Nestled within a lush garden, the Macmillan Centre provides a safe space for anyone affected by cancer, offering comprehensive therapies, emotional and practical support. The garden, meticulously maintained by dedicated volunteers, was designed to help provide a calming and relaxing environment with vibrant and sensitive colours and smells, in direct contrast to the clinical hospital setting. Yet, its use was limited during adverse weather conditions due to lack of shelter. The new Breeze House Oval Savannah summerhouse solves this problem, providing year-round accessibility and comfort.
The idea for the summerhouse was driven by patients' feedback, who wished for a sheltered spot to enjoy the garden regardless of the weather. A garden focus group, consisting of Centre users, selected the structure as their preferred choice of ideal shelter. This project was brought to life thanks to the generosity of donations through the SASH Cancer Charity Fund.
Sue Munn, Macmillan Cancer Support Manager said: “The summerhouse is a wonderful addition to our therapy garden, providing a serene and comfortable space for our patients to enjoy throughout the year. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this project and helped us bring this vision to life”.
This new addition will be especially beneficial for the many cancer patients at SASH undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, who are often photosensitive. Now, they can experience the garden's environment without exposure to direct sunlight, providing them a shaded and comfortable space.
Councillor Eddy Humphreys, Mayor of the Borough of Reigate & Banstead who attended the event said: “It’s nice to be here to open this. We were here last year when everyone was talking about it and it’s amazing to see the plan come to life”.
The Centre extended heartfelt thanks to all their supporters and fundraisers and are looking forward to many years of enjoying the new summerhouse.
