GLENCAIRN Ward at Midpark Hospital in Dumfries will harvest its first potato crop later this year thanks to a donation from Lower Nithsdale Young Farmers Club.
Money raised by the club from its first ever charity tractor run in November 2020, involving more than 100 tractors, has been used to buy benches and planters for the ward garden at the inpatient mental health hospital on Bankend Road.
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed delivery, but a group from the club, with Dumfries and Galloway Young Farmers 2020 treasurer Louise Paterson, has now delivered the benches and planters to the ward in time for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations this month.
Staff and patients at the ward are now looking forward to the first harvest of tomatoes and potatoes later this year.
Young Farmers’ Club 2020 chairman Colin McKinnon said: “It was a great opportunity for our members and the local community to support a cause that is so close to many, especially while we were all in such a torrid period due to COVID. We’re glad to see this project through to its conclusion and finally give back to the Glencairn ward.”
Senior charge nurse Claire Gabriel said: “Louise and the Lower Nithsdale Young Farmers have demonstrated real commitment to their fundraising agenda. Their commitment to enhancing the garden space in Glencairn Ward required them to think creatively during the global pandemic. Louise and the members maintained contact, keeping the ward up to date with their endeavours to raise enough funds to provide spaces to promote outside activity and conversation.
“Luckily the fruits of their labour were delivered in time for the staff and patients to assemble and plant in time for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. A great day was had by all and the Glencairn staff and patients are now watching and waiting for the arrival of new potatoes and tomatoes from this season’s planting.”
Glencairn’s gardens were created by staff and patients, supported by HMP Dumfries and the Friends of Midpark, to provide a comfortable outdoor space for patients and visitors after the hospital opened in 2012.
The gardens were previously recognised in January 2020 when they received a “Highly Commended” award for inpatient care from the Mental Health Nursing Forum Scotland.
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