As part of Volunteers’ Week (beginning 2nd June), we’re proud to celebrate the dedication and compassion of a very special team of volunteers from STEPS Rehabilitation, who are contributing their time and energy to support Horatio’s Garden Sheffield & East, a remarkable outdoor sanctuary built for individuals in hospital following a spinal cord injury.

Earlier this year, STEPS Rehabilitation was announced as the Regional Garden Partner for Horatio’s Garden Sheffield & East. Located at the Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Centre at Northern General Hospital, the garden is a beautiful and expanded version of the gold medal-winning ‘Best in Show’ garden from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023.

Designed by award-winning landscape architects, Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg of Harris Bugg Studio, the garden offers a private, peaceful and healing place for inpatients, outpatients, their families, and NHS staff. Its design encourages moments of calm, connection and reflection, values that lie at the heart of STEPS’ approach to rehabilitation.

To help bring this vision to life, a team of eight volunteers from STEPS has been formed to assist the Head Gardener, Ruth Calder, with planting and preparation ahead of the official opening in July 2025.

“It was a lovely opportunity to be asked to volunteer,” said Thomas Ridge, Senior Rehab Assistant. “It’s lovely to do things like this for patients who are in the early stages post   injury. Hopefully, they’ll enjoy this beautiful space as they recover.”

The partnership is a particularly meaningful one for STEPS founders Jules and Toria, whose awareness of Horatio’s Garden goes back many years.

“We’ve been aware of Horatio’s Garden since the early days of setting up STEPS,” shared Toria. “Our mum came across an article about the charity, which really resonated with our family. Horatio’s Garden was founded following the tragic loss of Horatio, and sadly, our own brother was also killed in his late teens. We were inspired by the gardens being built in Horatio’s memory.”

“When the charity got the green light to build a garden at the Sheffield unit, they approached us and asked if we’d be interested in becoming their regional partner — we were delighted as we feel our values are very much aligned with Horatio’s Garden charity  and jumped at the chance” added Jules.

The experience of volunteering in such a meaningful project has had a positive impact not only on the garden, but on the wellbeing of the STEPS team themselves. Stepping away from their usual roles will give them time to reflect, recharge, and connect with nature, all while giving back to the wider community.

“It’s such a lovely space,” said Fiona Whincup, Head of Finance. “I love how they’ve incorporated elements of Sheffield into the design. Patients will really enjoy being able to come out here and just be away from their hospital ward for a while.”

“Prior to my current role as Continuous Improvement Officer I led the wellbeing department for STEPS. Some of our activities included gardening, said Henry Leahy. “It really helped with mental health and wellbeing. Being outside in nature and doing something purposeful made a big difference to our clients.”

“It’s amazing to be asked to be part of this,” added Lisa Markham, Senior Nurse. “To be outdoors, to give something back — it’s been fantastic. The patients have had life-changing injuries and this is a special environment for them and their families, away from the clinical setting. Just a really lovely, calming space.”

Karl West, Rehabilitation Technician, agreed: “I truly believe this space will help clients in both their mental and physical recovery after an accident. Just being able to feel a bit happier.”

“I think we’ll be here as often as we can — planting, weeding, and helping out however we can,” said Jules.

As part of our continued collaboration with Horatio’s Garden, we were delighted  to host their annual ‘Head Gardeners Away Day’ on 5th June 2025, at STEPS Rehabilitation. The study day included a Q&A session with our own Clinical Nurse Educator, Darren Bracken, a tour of our specialist residential rehabilitation facility, one of our famous lunches and a warm STEPS welcome.

We are immensely proud of our volunteers and grateful for their dedication, not only during Volunteers’  Week, but all year round.

To learn more about Horatio’s Garden and how you can support their work, visit www.horatiosgarden.org.uk