The Mayor of Bolton has raised thousands of pounds to support Royal Bolton Hospital’s Critical Care Unit garden project.
Councillor David Chadwick chose Our Bolton NHS Charity as one of his three chosen mayoral charities, after receiving life-saving care on the unit in 2024.
The generous donation will help with the creation of a special garden for patients on the Critical Care Unit to enjoy the outside air in a peaceful and beautiful space during their recovery in hospital.
Councillor Chadwick said:
“I was admitted to the Critical Care Unit in November 2024 and remained there until February the following year, which I can safely say was not in my diary.
“It cannot be any surprise that I am very grateful to the Unit and the wonderful staff working there for saving my life.
“At every level the staff are kind, caring and have empathy with their patients. As my health gradually improved I was able to be taken down to a memorial garden, which after spending so long in hospital was wonderful to feel the fresh air. Something we all take for granted – until we can’t.
“The Unit has been given their own piece of land and I hope the money I am giving them today will enable them to create a new garden, which will offer reflection and tranquillity, and with any luck a bit of Boltonian sunshine!”
On Thursday 23 April, the Mayor of Bolton invited each charity to Bolton Town Hall for a cheque presentation, where he was able to share what it meant to be able to raise funds for such worthy causes.
Zoe Geddes, Matron on the Critical Care Unit at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We were honoured to be invited to Bolton Town Hall by the Mayor for tea and biscuits following the presentation of a £6,000 cheque in support of our Critical Care Garden project.
“It was a real privilege to meet with him and discuss the vision for the garden and the difference it will make for patients, families and staff.
“The Mayor shared his personal gratitude for the care he received whilst in Critical Care and spoke movingly about the positive impact that access to a garden space had on his own recovery.”
For information about raising money for Our Bolton NHS Charity, or to read more about the charity’s impact on patient care and staff wellbeing, please visit Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s website.
