A FAMILY’S fundraising drive has led to the creation of a beautiful garden at a Basingstoke hospital.

Kate Tickner, whose mother has been cared for at Parklands Hospital, raised £5,000 to be spent on a new summer house, greenhouse and potting shed for patients to enjoy.

A garden party was held to celebrate the opening of the gardens, in Aldermaston Road, and was attended by the Tickner family, from Borden, and Basingstoke and Deane Mayor Council-lor Dan Putty.

Family, friends and carers of patients were also invited to enjoy the afternoon of strawberries and cream, nibbles and games.

Kate said: “My mother has dementia, and the journey we’ve been on as a fam-ily has really opened our eyes to the effects of this disease. “Parklands Hospital has been fantastic in caring for mum, but also in supporting us all while she’s been here.

“We wanted to be able to give something back, and the new garden equipment means staff and patients alike can enjoy this lovely garden.”

The garden was created with the help of local builders who gave their time for free as a gesture of support for the hospital, installing ramps in both the greenhouse and summer house to make them accessible to all.

Lara Calus, activities co-ordinator at Parklands, said: “We were delighted to hear that Kate and her family had gone to so much effort raising this money for the garden fund.

“Our patients love being outdoors and the new greenhouse and summerhouse will give them somewhere to enjoy the sunshine”