A new garden in memory of a patient who died of cancer is officially opening this week, following a £20,000 fundraising drive.
On 24 February 2022, Lee Clarke (Clarky) lost his battle to bowel cancer at the age of just 50. Lee’s friends and family promised him they would keep his memory alive and make sure he was never forgotten.
Lee spent a lot of time in the Amethyst Ward at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, and his wish was for the garden to be made into a welcoming area for patients and their family/friends.
In February 2022, his friends organised a fundraising day to raise money for Lee and he chose for it to be donated to the garden at the Amethyst ward. The fundraising has continued for more than three years, including epic challenges such as completing the National Three Peaks in 24 hours in May 2023.
The group extends from old school friends, to drinking buddies, work colleagues and his cycling friends. They all share a love for Lee and a determination to make him proud, and keep his memory alive.
Emma Wright and her husband were close friends of Lee. She put a ‘wish’ in to The Health Tree Foundation – NLaG’s charity – to improve the garden.
She said: “Lee was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020 and spent a lot of time in the Amethyst Garden. He was an inpatient on the ward and would go to the garden for a bit of peace and quiet. It was in a bit of a state and he said before he passed away that his wish was to see it improved for others to use.
“After he passed, a group of us decided to honour his memory by continuing this fundraising for the garden. We’d already done a charity football match when Lee was still with us. After contacting The Health Tree Foundation, we came up with a plan for what we wanted to do.
“There’s been so many events over the past few years, I’m so proud of everyone who has taken part and helped us make this dream come true. Lee would absolutely love how the garden looks now. It’s great to know his legacy will be enjoyed by patients and families for many years to come.”
The Health Tree Foundation got to work transforming the garden, including murals of Cleethorpes pier (one of Lee’s favourite places to visit) and Grimsby docks, an extended pathway to allow for wheelchair access, a bench with a plaque in Lee’s memory, new seating areas, play areas and much more.
Natalie Stockley, Amethyst Ward Manager added: “All the donations have contributed to the transformation of the Amethyst Garden, making it a welcoming tranquil environment that patients can enjoy all year round.”
Emma wished to say a special thanks to Louise Needham, who organised Clarky’s Climb and other fundraising with Waltham Tea Garden’s biking crew, Lee’s friends Richard, Jam, Rammy, Jase and Chris, Daz McClean and all those at The Coach House in Humberston, the nurses and staff on the Amethyst Ward and Lee’s family.
