A Scots children’s hospice has suffered up to £60,000 worth of damage after its garden was wrecked in Storm Eowyn.
CHAS says that the damage took place at its Robin House hospice, in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire.
Robin House is one the two vital hospices serving Scotland, run by the charity Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
While main hospice buildings were unscathed by last Friday’s 90mph winds, as the clean-up goes on it became clear that the garden at Robin House will take months to recover and repair.
Hugh Mundie who leads the maintenance team on site has worked at the Robin House site for two decades.
He said: “There have been two big storms before Storm Eowyn, but this is by far the worst damage I’ve ever seen to the garden and it’s going to cost thousands to reinstate.”
Gale force gusts uprooted mature trees, destroyed fences, damaged drainage and wrecked the garden’s polytunnel cover and frame beyond rescue.
The team estimate the damage will cost around £60,000 to repair and are asking for donations to help cover replanting and repairs.
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The hospice garden is a sanctuary for the children and families supported by CHAS.
CHAS Gardener Maggie Brown added: “Our garden is a special place here at Robin House. It’s an active, accessible garden for children and young people to enjoy, get close to nature and experience messy play which is often something that’s not possible in the same way for them at home.
“It’s also a place that holds precious memories for families and offers a quiet sanctuary for parents, siblings and loved ones.”
CHAS Medical Director Annabel Howell said: “It’s so sad to see the damage to the garden at Robin House. While we will work really hard to repair and replant, we know there will be a knock-on impact for the families we support as this work is done.
“Each week in Scotland three children die from an incurable condition and many children with incurable conditions enjoy respite and end of life care with CHAS in Robin House. Our gardens are an essential part of their care and wellbeing and that of their families.
“No one should have to face the death of a child alone. All fundraising support makes a huge difference. As we manage the lasting impact of Storm Eowyn, we are thankful of support people can give.”
To donate to CHAS, click here.