Thorp Perrow Arboretum has hosted a fundraising event for Horatio’s Garden, bringing together nature, food and community to support the charity’s work with people recovering from spinal injuries.
The autumn event began with a guided tour of the North Yorkshire arboretum led by curator Tom Coxhead, followed by a fungi foray with mushroom expert Dr Keith Thomas.
Guests then enjoyed a seasonal lunch in the arboretum’s Summerhouse, overlooking the grounds and lake. The menu included a beef taco and warming vegetable soup, prepared by Ruth Hansom of Hansom, a local restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide.
Hansom was recently named National Chef of the Year, and the event gave guests an opportunity to sample her cooking in the surroundings of the arboretum.
Dr Olivia Chapple OBE EMH, founder of Horatio’s Garden, said:
Set in the beautiful Summerhouse overlooking the Arboretum and the lake, it seemed like the perfect setting for this event, the beauty of nature reminding us why gardens and fresh air are so important for mental and physical health.
Money raised will support Horatio’s Garden, which creates and maintains gardens alongside NHS spinal injury rehabilitation centres. The gardens provide patients and their families with outdoor spaces for relaxation, social activities and support during recovery.
The charity is currently developing a new garden at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
Natasha Ropner, director and owner of Thorp Perrow Arboretum, said:
Horatio’s Garden are currently in the process of developing a new garden at the James Cook hospital in Middlesbrough, and we wanted to help support this amazing charity as they deliver their new garden in a hospital that is so important to this area of the country.
The charity aims to open a garden at all 11 NHS spinal injury centres across the UK, offering patients and their families access to therapeutic outdoor spaces during what can be a difficult period in their lives.
About Thorp Perrow Arboretum
Thorp Perrow Arboretum is a North Yorkshire visitor attraction featuring woodland walks and seasonal displays. Its historic collection includes trees from around the world, some rare and ancient, alongside five National Plant Collections.
The arboretum was created by Colonel Sir Leonard Ropner, who began planning and planting the collection after his family bought the estate. His vision helped establish one of the country’s significant tree collections.
Further information is available at www.thorpperrow.com.
About Horatio’s Garden
Horatio’s Garden creates and maintains gardens at NHS spinal injury centres, providing spaces for patients, families and friends during rehabilitation.
People recovering from spinal injuries can spend several months in specialist centres, often far from home. The gardens offer opportunities for reflection, companionship and outdoor activities, alongside gardening sessions, arts workshops, live music and other events.
The charity’s mission is to establish a garden at all 11 NHS spinal injury centres.
Further information is available at www.horatiosgarden.org.uk.