VOLUNTEERS are ready to take over the care of a garden for cancer patients at York Hospital.

After a year of nurturing the new garden at the Cancer Care Centre, garden designer Sue Lindley has handed over to the group of dedicated volunteers.

The garden was funded by donations to create a beautiful and tranquil space where people can find peace and fresh air, and designed to be suitable for people being treated for cancer.

Sue said: “There were challenges to creating the garden, from how we used the space to what kind of plants were suitable when people’s immune systems were compromised.”

The design uses calming colours like soft grey and warm sandstone, is accessible for wheelchairs and anyone with a visual impairment, and flowers were chosen so as not to attract bees, as a sting can be serious for cancer patients.

The garden is now well established and the volunteers, who have helped maintain the garden for the past year, are ready to take over.

Volunteer Christine True, president of Ainsty Rotary Club, said: “People relish coming in for peace and quiet especially when they have a stressful appointment. They really appreciate the work. that has gone into the garden to create colour and movement. We’re delighted to maintain this lovely space for everyone who wants to use it.”