Finding connection through nature with Croydon’s Dementia Garden | News

Finding connection through nature with Croydon’s Memory Lane Dementia Garden

Croydon Health Charity’s latest flagship appeal is continuing to seek support to raise £157,000, to provide a peaceful, safe space for those living with dementia.

Through the Memory Lane Garden appeal, the Charity is keen to bring a piece of home to hospital, transforming part of Croydon University Hospital into a much-needed, therapeutic garden for elderly patients and those with a dementia diagnosis, who are receiving care in Croydon.

Rona’s story

For Rona Nicholson, Croydon Health Services Non-Executive Director and Chair of Croydon Health Charity’s Charitable Funds Committee, dementia is not just a professional concern – it’s deeply personal. Two of the people closest to her have been profoundly affected by the disease: her mother, and her best friend of 45 years, Cheryl.

Rona’s mum has Dementia with Lewy bodies and now lives in a care home and experiences regular delusions and her lifelong friend Cheryl was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease eight years ago, which has gradually stolen away much of the person she once was. Rona has stepped in as Cheryl’s next of kin, supporting her through the most difficult of days.

“Dementia is like losing people a little bit at a time,”  Rona says. “I can completely understand when people describe it as grieving for them while they are still here.”

Cheryl now lives in a care home in Shirley, where she is fortunate to have access to a large outdoor space known as the ‘Wilderness’. Being in this garden brings her comfort and joy, a reminder of the power that nature holds for people living with dementia.

But when Cheryl has to come into Croydon University Hospital for medical treatment, the change in environment can be overwhelming.

“She gets agitated and distressed in hospital,”  Rona explains. “But when she’s in the garden at the care home, she’s a different person - calm, settled and happy. That’s why I believe so strongly in creating a dementia friendly garden at the hospital.

“It could help Cheryl, and so many others, to reconnect and to find peace during what can be a very frightening time.”

The Memory Lane Dementia Garden will transform a disused courtyard space at Croydon University Hospital into a therapeutic outdoor sanctuary; a place where patients, families, and carers can take a breath, reconnect with nature, and find moments of comfort and calm.

Rona added:

“As Chair of the Charity’s Committee, I know that this space could make a real difference to so many of the hospital’s most vulnerable patients, giving people living with dementia the chance to hold onto some connection, even as their memories fade.

“Although Cheryl has lost many links to her previous life, I know that she rediscovers moments of joy and connection outdoors and we want to bring this same feeling to even more people. That’s what it’s all about – helping people to feel like themselves again, even if just for a moment.”

How you can help

Rona will be taking part in Croydon Health Charity’s inaugural challenge event, a 10km walk encouraging local people to ‘Move for Good’. To donate to her page, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/walkingfordementiaincroydon or to sign up and take part, visit https://www.croydonhealthcharity.org.uk/move-for-good/

With your support, we can bring the Memory Lane Dementia Garden to life. Every donation, big or small, will help us create a space that provides peace, dignity, and comfort for people like Cheryl, and for families like Rona’s.