The Garden in the Sky Officially Opened by Her Majesty The Queen
What began as a vision to bring the healing power of nature to some of the hospital’s most critically ill patients has now become a reality.
The John King Brain Tumour Foundation is proud to celebrate the completion of the Neuro Intensive Care Unit (Neuro-ICU) Garden Project at St George’s Hospital – a transformational new therapeutic space officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen.
Known as the “Garden in the Sky”, this beautiful balcony garden sits alongside the Neuro Intensive Care Unit in the Atkinson Morley Wing, providing patients, families, NHS staff and therapists with direct access to fresh air, natural light and a peaceful environment during some of life’s most challenging moments.
The project was created through a partnership between The John King Brain Tumour Foundation and St George’s Hospital Charity, transforming a previously unused balcony into a fully accessible therapeutic garden that will benefit an estimated 7,000 people each year.
A Vision Inspired by Experience
For Laura King, Founder and Chair of The John King Brain Tumour Foundation, the project carries deep personal significance.
Following John King’s diagnosis with a glioblastoma brain tumour in 2015, the family experienced first-hand the comfort provided by access to the gardens at St George’s Hospital. Those precious moments away from the clinical environment offered peace, dignity and a sense of normality during an incredibly difficult time.
Determined that other families should have access to similar spaces, the Foundation has spent many years supporting therapeutic garden projects across the hospital. The Garden in the Sky represents the latest chapter in that journey and a lasting tribute to John’s memory.
The Importance of Healing Gardens
Research consistently demonstrates the positive impact that access to green spaces can have on physical and emotional wellbeing.
A report by The King’s Fund, Gardens and Health, highlights how access to nature can support recovery from illness, reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. Studies have shown that patients with views of nature often experience shorter recovery times and reduced reliance on pain medication.
The benefits extend beyond patients. The Health Foundation’s Space to Breathe report found that access to green spaces provides significant wellbeing benefits for NHS staff, offering opportunities to recharge and reduce the pressures associated with working in demanding healthcare environments.
For patients in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit, many recovering from complex brain injuries, brain tumours, strokes and major neurological surgery, the opportunity to spend even a short period outdoors can make a profound difference.
A Space That Will Change Lives
The Neuro Intensive Care Unit is a specialist 14-bed unit providing highly complex care for around 850 patients each year.
The new garden offers a sanctuary away from monitors, alarms and clinical surroundings, creating a space where patients can reconnect with the outside world and families can spend precious time together.
One patient who experienced the benefits of therapeutic garden spaces at St George’s previously shared:
“Whenever I could, I took my blanket and lay on one of the recliners enjoying the beautiful flowers and appreciating the wonderfully designed garden. It brought me great joy at a time of great stress. Thank you for providing this for patients. It is a wonderful thing to
have done in memory of John.”
Wendy Dutton, May 2019
During the official opening, Her Majesty The Queen met Catherine Oppong-Barbo, a St George’s neurosurgery nurse who was recovering on the very ward where she normally cares for patients after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
Reflecting on the impact of the new garden, Catherine said:
“The balcony is a connection to the outside world after being beside lots of machines in intensive care, it makes it feel like I can breathe freely again.”
She added:
“The balcony is a haven for patients and their families, it’s a space to connect while recovering.”
These powerful words perfectly capture the vision behind the project.
Remembering Richard Sullivan
The completion of the Garden in the Sky also provides an opportunity to remember and celebrate the contribution of the Foundation’s much-loved Patron and friend, Richard Sullivan, who sadly passed away in March 2024.
Richard’s passion, determination and expertise were instrumental in helping bring the project to life. Alongside Laura King, he played a key role in raising the significant funds required and used his extensive experience in major property developments to help secure approval for the garden’s design and construction.
His contribution to the project was extraordinary, and his legacy will continue to be felt every day through the thousands of patients, families and staff who will benefit from this special space.
Officially Opened by Her Majesty The Queen
The completion of the project was marked by a very special visit from Her Majesty The Queen, who officially opened the garden and unveiled a commemorative plaque.
During her visit, Her Majesty met patients, families, clinicians, nurses, charity trustees and supporters who helped make the project possible.
She also unveiled a stunning new sculpture by acclaimed artist Emma Rodgers, inspired by the strength and resilience of the English oak and celebrating the dedication of NHS staff.
The occasion highlighted not only the importance of the new garden but also the exceptional neuroscience care provided at St George’s Hospital, one of the UK’s leading centres for neurosurgery and neurological treatment.
A Legacy of Support
Since its formation, The John King Brain Tumour Foundation has raised more than £1.4 million to support neuroscience services at St George’s Hospital.
Alongside funding therapeutic gardens, the Foundation has helped provide pioneering neurosurgical equipment that improves outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing treatment for brain tumours and other neurological conditions.
The Garden in the Sky now stands as one of the Foundation’s most visible and meaningful achievements, a living legacy that will continue to grow and support patients for many years to come.
Thank You
The completion of the Neuro-ICU Garden Project represents far more than the creation of a beautiful outdoor space.
It is a place of hope, recovery, reflection and connection.
Every flower planted, every patient who finds comfort, every family able to spend precious moments together outdoors, and every member of staff who takes a moment to recharge is a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.
The John King Brain Tumour Foundation would like to thank every donor, fundraiser, volunteer, supporter and partner who helped make this vision a reality.
Together, we are creating hope, improving lives and building a lasting legacy in John’s memory.
