HRH The Princess Royal Officially Opens Horatio’s Garden at Northern General Hospital – STEPS Rehabilitation Celebrates Role as Regional Partner

STEPS Rehabilitation proudly celebrates the official opening of Horatio’s Garden Sheffield & East, located at the Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Centre, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, formally opened the garden on Wednesday 23^rd July, marking a major milestone in the charity’s mission to bring nature and healing together for people impacted by spinal cord injuries.

The award-winning garden has been designed to promote reflection, relaxation and connection, to serve thousands of in-patients out-patients, and NHS staff members every year. Inspired by the landscapes and cultural heritage of Yorkshire, the garden was designed by Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg of Harris Bugg Studio.

At the opening, Her Royal Highness met with patients, NHS staff, and supporters — including STEPS Rehabilitation Co-Founders Jules Shiel-Boulger and Toria Chan, and STEPS client Brendan Corr and his wife, Rachael. Her Royal Highness also planted an Aruncus ‘Horatio’ with Head Gardener Ruth Calder, and met designers Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg from Harris Bugg Studio.

As a Regional Garden Partner, STEPS Rehabilitation has been honoured to be involved in the development of Horatio’s Garden Sheffield & East. Members of the STEPS team have volunteered their time to support the project, assisting with planting and are committed to supporting the long-term success of the garden.

“We are absolutely delighted to be a Regional Garden Partner for Horatio’s Garden Sheffield & East,” said Toria Chan and Jules Shiel-Boulger, Co-founders of STEPS Rehabilitation.

“It’s been a privilege for our team to contribute as volunteers and to witness first-hand the impact that accessible, beautifully designed green spaces can have. For people in hospital with spinal cord injuries, gardens like this offer space for reflection, time away from the clinical hospital environment, and space for reconnection with loved ones. We are proud to support a space that will benefit patients, families, and NHS staff for years to come.”

Horatio’s Garden Sheffield & East was originally designed for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023, where it won Best in Show and a Gold medal—the first garden in the show’s history created specifically for people with mobility needs. Now in its permanent home, the garden will benefit hundreds of in-patients, thousands of out-patients, families, and more than 250 NHS staff each year.

The garden is inspired by Yorkshire’s landscapes, heritage, and industry, with features such as a water sculpture made from Sheffield cutlery casts and stone cairns built by fifth-generation master stone wallers.

Horatio’s Garden Sheffield & East has been entirely funded through charitable donations, including generous support from the National Garden Scheme, Project Giving Back, and many other philanthropic organisations and individuals.

A selection of images from the formal opening of Horatio's Garden Sheffield & East can be found below. Images beautifully captured by Ellie Grace Photography.