This is what the forthcoming Atlantic crossing is all about.

 

 

The story of 'Horatio's Garden':

After Horatio Chapple (aged 17) was tragically killed by a polar bear in August 2011, his parents decided to try to create a very special garden in his memory – special because the garden would be accessible to spinal patients who were themselves confined to wheelchairs or to hospital beds.  The original idea behind such a garden came from Horatio and from David Chapple, his father, who is a spinal surgeon.  When Horatio was on medical work experience at Salisbury hospital, he devised a questionnaire for patients.  The answers showed that patients would welcome an external space that would enable them to enjoy a break from the hospital ward – where many were effectively confined during long months of convalescence.  Sadly Horatio did not live to see this idea come to fruition, but many people generously donated in Horatio’s memory, and a series of events were held (including several at school) where money was first raised through the Southern Spinal Injuries Trust for a ‘Jubilee Garden’ at the spinal unit in Salisbury.

Through the generosity of donors and fundraisers, and the indefatigable efforts of David and Olivia Chapple, sufficient funds were raised to enable work to begin on a garden.  Cleve West accepted an invitation to design the garden, and after much hard work in the spring and summer of 2012 the new facility, now named ‘Horatio’s Garden’ was formally opened in September 2012. 

 

As the garden has matured, it has become a remarkable space for patients, visitors, hospital staff and family members.  Cleve West's design created a tranquil, picturesque setting where patients can enjoy flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs, and where a range of therapeutic activities are organised.  The garden is maintained by a Head Gardener and by an enthusiastic team of volunteers.

 

'Horatio’s Garden’ is now established as an independent charity in its own right, and I am very pleased to act as a trustee of this charity.  The goals of the charity include the development of Horatio’s Garden; meeting the on-going costs of maintaining the garden, and promoting the expansion of similar gardens at other spinal centres in the UK.  The best source for the garden is the website www.horatiosgarden.org.uk  It is a great privilege to be able to do something to commemorate Horatio, and I have been delighted by the support received both for the Atlantic Challenge and for earlier fundraising on behalf of ‘Horatio’s Garden’.