Work to upgrade an outdoor area at Foyle Hospice has been completed, led by Apex Housing Association with support from several local businesses and contractors.

Representatives from Apex Housing, including gardening team members, visited the hospice to view the finished work alongside representatives from the businesses and contractors involved.

The project focused on the grounds around a log cabin known as the Garden Hub. It was designed to make the area more welcoming, accessible and attractive for patients, families, staff and visitors.

Businesses and contractors that contributed time, expertise and materials included Altnagelvin Garden Centre/Spring Growth Garden Centre, JP Corry, Inish Grass, Tobermore and Donaghy Contractors.

Foyle Hospice chief executive Donall Henderson said Apex Housing led the development of the grounds around the recently installed Garden Hub. He said the outside space complements the Garden Hub and will provide additional outdoor space for patients, families, staff and visitors.

Administrative services manager Terri Sythes said the project transformed the area around the garden hub into a welcoming space. Volunteer coordinator Rachael Dobbins said volunteers play an important role in maintaining hospice gardens and that this project showed how volunteering can take different forms.

Foyle Hospice said support can include volunteering, donating materials, sharing professional expertise or giving time, in addition to fundraising. The charity provides nine bed spaces in its inpatient care unit, day therapy, community nursing, a 24/7 advice line, and bereavement counselling for adults and children. Its annual running cost is approximately £4.1 million.