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New Garden Sanctuary Opens at The Fountain Centre
The Fountain Centre, an independent charity providing support to cancer patients and their loved ones across Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire, will officially open its new rejuvenated garden sanctuary on Wednesday 24 June at the Royal Surrey County Hospital.
Situated alongside the Oncology Outpatients Department, the new patient wellbeing garden offers a tranquil, accessible space where patients, families and carers can escape the clinical setting and find moments of peace, reflection and connection with nature.
The project was made possible by an army of donors and supporters who helped bring the vision to fruition. The redevelopment features enhanced planting, new hard landscaping more accessibility and generous seating, creating a calming outdoor environment that complements the Centre's therapeutic services.
Kas Girdler, Community Engagement Manager at The Fountain Centre, said: "It has been such a long and rewarding journey to reach this stage. The redevelopment has created an accessible space with plenty of seating for patients and their families to find sanctuary. We are deeply grateful to all the donors and every volunteer who contributed to the garden's design, build and completion."
The garden is already making a difference. One patient shared how the space provided comfort and perspective during treatment:
"Having access to an attractive, tranquil garden and some fresh air helped me appreciate the simple things in life, think things through and hope for the future."
Founded in 1998, The Fountain Centre supports over 2,000 appointments each month, offering counselling, therapies and practical assistance. Its work is driven by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers at the heart of the charity's success.
The opening event on 24 June will celebrate both the garden's completion and the ongoing commitment of the community and partners, including the Wisley Foundation, Kebur and the National Garden Scheme.
Clare Bevan, Surrey County Organiser for the National Garden Scheme, commented: "Every garden is a work in progress. We are delighted to support The Fountain Centre and look forward to helping the garden flourish with plants that thrive in this wonderful space."
The new garden stands as a symbol of hope, resilience and community — a restorative environment.
The Fountain Centre is an independent charity reliant on donations to continue the work with cancer patients and their families – to donate to the Fountain Centre you can visit their website and click on the donation page.
Details of the work of the Fountain Centre can be found at https://www.fountaincentre.org