New gardens will be breath of fresh air for children in Raigmore Hospital in Inverness
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YOUNG patients at an Inverness hospital will soon be able to enjoy playing outdoors thanks to an initiative run by a local children's charity.
After more than a year of fundraising activities, Archie Foundation Highlands announced that works have started for their Fresh Air Project, which will transform outdoor areas around Raigmore Hospital into all-weather playgrounds for children in treatment.
Being the official charity at Highland Children's Unit, Archie Foundation has raised more than £139,000 – overtaking its £100,000 initial target for the project.
Fundraising committee chairwoman Mary Nimmo said they were "humbled and astounded" by the generosity of the donations and people involved in the initiative.
"I would like to extend our most grateful thanks to each and everyone of you who helped us in making our Fresh Air Project into reality," she said.
"All members of staff at the unit do an amazing and selfless job caring for the sick children and the loved ones. So a sincere thank you to all NHS staff who have contributed their time and resources."
The outdoor space, which will be sheltered by sail-style canopies, will include a sensory garden with wildflower areas, as well as a variety of topiary animals, with a 30ft Nessie sponsored by Cruise Loch Ness being the centrepiece.
Archie Foundation chief executive David Wood said: "We are extremely grateful to our Highland fundraising committee, and all our supporters, who have helped make the vision of this project become real.
"The plans look fantastic and I can't wait to see them come to life and children and families enjoying the new spaces."
April Emmott, senior nurse for pediatric services, said: "I can't wait to see the finished project and how much our patients are really going to benefit from having garden areas and all-weather outdoor spaces.
"The Highland Children's Unit sees patients from across the Highlands and these spaces will enable them to have safe and comfortable outdoor areas where they can spend time in the fresh air, away from a clinical environment which will really enhance their patient experience."
Works are expected to last around eight weeks, after which children will be able to enjoy the new facilities.
