THE children’s ward at Airedale Hospital has been declared the winner of the Friends of Airedale 2024 Courtyard Competition.

Thanks to the ongoing dedication of the ward’s senior healthcare support worker, Lindsay Graham, judges felt the end result was a “truly charming and impactful garden that would engage and delight the ward’s young patients.” Lindsay, who has led the ward’s gardening efforts for some 15 years, retires in November.

Chairman of the judging panel, John Lofthouse, a volunteer with the Friends, said: “We had quite a difficult time choosing an outright winner this year but the efforts of those involved in the children’s ward garden really won us over.”

Judges also praised staff responsible for the children’s outpatient department garden area for providing a “visual treat, rich in zoned areas of interest”; and the Electro Medical team for their heroic efforts in transforming courtyard seven into “an area of colour and style”. Both courtyard areas were awarded Highly Commended status.

John added: “We saw a lot of great ideas and imaginative use of plants and materials across the different courtyards.”

The children’s Ward 17 gardening team were presented with a garden centre voucher worth £200 plus a special outdoor clock to keep and feature in their courtyard area.