When Sarah first looked out at her garden, it filled her with anxiety rather than enjoyment. A single parent and full-time carer to her young son Oliver, Sarah was already navigating an incredibly demanding daily routine. The outdoor space, however, had become an added burden which she simply couldn’t manage alone.
What should have been a garden was, in Sarah’s words, “more like a pond.” The ground was constantly waterlogged, the patio had buckled beyond use, and tonnes of excess soil had been dumped there during nearby building works. Every day meant trudging through mud in wellies, struggling to access the laundry, and watching the space deteriorate further. The emotional weight of it all became overwhelming.
Living with a chronically ill child brings challenges that can’t simply be planned for. Frequent hospital visits, disrupted routines, and the emotional strain of caring can make even small obstacles feel insurmountable. The state of the garden affected everything, from daily practical tasks, to Sarah’s confidence and sense of pride in her home.
With support from The McCarthy Dixon Foundation and in collaboration with Semilong Services, that began to change. Behind the scenes, Charity Founder Teresa and our team worked to ensure the right support was in place, allowing the garden transformation to happen with care, dignity and a focus on what would truly make a difference for the family.
Over the course of the work, more than 11 tonnes of earth were removed, drainage issues were resolved, and the entire space was transformed. A new, level patio was installed, raised flower beds were created, steps were built to safely access the laundry area, and existing plants were carefully salvaged and replanted. Thoughtful details, from stone edging to slab choices, ensured the garden was not only functional, but truly personal to Sarah and her family.
Now, instead of dread, the garden brings joy. Sarah often steps outside just to look at it. Fairy lights line the edges, and what was once a source of embarrassment has become a place of calm and pride. For Oliver, who uses a wheelchair and has limited opportunities to spend time outdoors, the garden has opened up new possibilities, including plans for a specialist summer bed so he can enjoy fresh air safely at home next Summer.
Accepting help wasn’t easy, but it proved life-changing. As Sarah reflects on the last year, she does so with a lighter heart, grateful not just for a transformed garden, but for the compassion, respect and understanding shown at every stage.
Do you or someone you know need help and support to get through a difficult time? We know that asking for help is not easy, just complete our contact form and we’ll be in touch with more on how we can help.
