Sara, the daughter of a family member who recently used the Butterfly Service at Ipswich Hospital, describes what impact a Time Garden could have for patients and their loved ones, experiencing end of life:

"For anyone in hospital, the ward is not a natural environment, the noise, the equipment, the lights and surroundings, can be overwhelming and not great for relaxing and finding peace.

Gardens and being outside are so therapeutic, I saw for myself the change to a friend in hospital last year for many months, when we were able to take her out to the gardens for a while, it helped her mentally and physically. Feeling the sun on your face, a gentle breeze, fresh air and surroundings of plants and flowers are simply good for us.

"It's not until you spend a long time in a hospital that you realise how "loud" it is. And when you go outside the white noise, beeping and chatter stops. It allows you to think and reflect. For families trying to support someone they love, just to have a few moments to be able to release those emotions, when you are working so hard to be strong. For the patients I can only imagine when you are faced with the end of your life, it gives you some time away from the reality of the ward.

"Having lost both my parents and my parents in law, two in hospital, one in A&E and one in the hospice, I can see how this garden would have helped us all. During the time my dad was in the hospital, I used to walk the dogs when I wasn't with him, and the calmness that came over me after a while being in the woods or walking along the beach was invaluable. I would have found a garden that I could visit when the emotions became too much so helpful. My dad loved his garden, he created so many beautiful gardens during his life, being out in a garden would have been a very special moment for him in those last few days. 

"Facing that your life will soon be over is something we will all have to face at some point, but few of us will really allow ourselves to imagine what it will actually be like until it happens. Regrets, fear, unfinished business, and anger are understandable and although the garden couldn't completely take these away, it can provide an environment that helps." 

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