Martin House Gardening Days

On 24 and 31 October 2018, two teams from the Shoosmiths Leeds office volunteered to undertake gardening at Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa, Wetherby and helped John, the head gardener, get the gardens ready for the winter. Martin House Hospice is the Leeds office charity of the year for 2018.

The Shoosmiths teams arrived for 9.30 am and the day ended at 4.00 pm. The tasks varied from clearing the grounds of leaves for wheelchair access (which was back breaking work with the number of trees in the grounds!), digging, cleaning the playground areas, hanging baskets and painting a swing, table and benches. It was very hard work, but also very rewarding to know that a small amount of volunteering we could provide by tending the gardens, allowed members of staff to focus on other areas of maintenance and also allows the families to be together and enjoy some “normal family time” in the midst of such tragic circumstances. The volunteers found it a worthwhile and eye-opening experience to be at the hospice for the day.

Martin House is set in six acres of landscaped gardens which have been designed for the enjoyment of the children, young people and families who utilise the facilities at Martin House. The hospice provides family led care for children with life shortening conditions. Children and young people and their families are able to stay from time to time and find support, practical help and rest. It is a place where they can relax and enjoy time together. The team work tirelessly at the hospice to support children and young people with life-limiting illnesses, and the beautiful gardens and outdoor areas are a big part of this. They really value the support through our volunteering and donations.

The Leeds CR committee would like to thank all volunteers that took part on both days. The volunteers were: Pamela Mountain, Victoria Oxley, Katie Brumfitt, Tracey Runton, Janette Pearson, Jen Clarke, Lauren Midgley, Julie Crosbie, Jack Roberts, Kealeigh Lindsay, Parin Galaiya, Charlotte Windle, Robyn Thompson, Faith McLaughlin, Jess Dick, and Rick Atha.