"When a child is diagnosed with cancer, there is a significant and immediate traumatic impact on their holistic wellbeing especially their ability to play." 

"Play is a critical part of the holistic wellbeing of a child."

Our Solution

Building a new playground garden for Bumblebee ward is not just about replacing old equipment; it’s about providing a space for these children to heal, to feel a sense of normalcy, and to simply be children again.

Every child deserves the freedom to play. Play is not only essential for a joyful childhood but also plays a critical role in supporting a child’s mental and emotional wellbeing, particularly during times of illness or injury. Access to play can significantly boost recovery, offering comfort, resilience, and a sense of normalcy when children need it most. 

Research confirms the association between exposure to nature and health, the therapeutic benefits and the link to better outcomes for patient's wellbeing, especially children with cancer.

Read this article by Jimenez, M.P., DeVille N. V., (2021) in the International Journal for Research & Public Health volume 13, issue 9, which establishes the importance of nature, health and the significant therapeutic benefits for patients.

"We build this playground in Dannie's memory, for the children who have passed away from cancer and for the benefit of the children admitted on Bumblebee ward and their families today and tomorrow." 

Our key partners

We are grateful to our sponsors Children with Cancer UK and the King Charles III Charitable Fund, for their incredible generosity in sponsoring this project.  Thanks to our sister charity Children with Cancer UK, we have unlocked the first phase of this playground build and are making this dream a reality. 

Working with our friends at Noble DBR Ltd we launched the woodwork phase of this project in September.  We kicked off the next stage on Monday, the 3rd of November 2025 with Pentagon Play Limited to include the installation of:

• HMS Dannie
• A wheelchair swing
• Sensory spinners and panels
• Wooden planters and outdoor musical instruments

This new playground will be a place of joy, healing, and inclusion for every child who needs it.

Parent Testimonials

"When Daniella Logun was receiving treatment for a brain tumour on the ward in 2015, the garden was out of use. Daniella was confined to a cubicle and struggled with the harsh symptoms, emotional and physical side effects of cancer treatment. Dannie passed away 5months later and today, the situation remains unchanged. Children on the ward are still confined to dimly lit rooms without fresh air. This is detrimental to their recovery and holistic wellbeing outcomes!” - Angela Logun.

"We build this playground to support the wellbeing of the hard working staff  who diligently care for our child patients daily." 

Staff Testimonial

"We have a live case study of a child diagnosed with cancer going through a mental health crisis. This child is not allowed access out of the unit for safety reasons as it is too risky. If we had our garden, she could go outside and play in a secure and safe environment, which would be hugely beneficial to her mental and physical wellbeing. She is experiencing repeated crisis because she is contained in a paediatric ward for her safety and unable to access the outside space safely” - From Chris Mann Bumblebee Ward Matron. 

Parent Testimonial

"My son is 5yrs, has Leukaemia and was an inpatient at Bumblebee in April. As oncology patients we were not allowed to leave our room for their own protection especially when they are immunocompromised. Having access to the outside garden would mean the world to us. It’s hard to keep an active child in a room with no fresh air. Thank you (DLF) for doing this. I wish you the best of luck on the project."

- Dill (Noah’s mum)

Calling all businesses and corporates

We need your help to complete this playground garden by Spring 2026 so children on the ward and their families can enjoy a safe, outdoor space.  You can sponsor essential playground add-ons that will improve the quality of this playground. With your help, we can complete the transformation of this garden into a sustainable, functional, and inclusive playground, that will instantly improve the wellbeing of the children receiving treatment, their families, and the dedicated staff who care for them on this ward.  Let's work together to make a lasting difference in our community.

Community Call To Action: Help us reach our goal.

Did you know that over 310,000 people live in Hillingdon? If every person gave just 20p, we could raise the £62,000 we need to complete this entire project. This small act of generosity from each of us could completely transform the Bumblebee ward garden into the fully equipped healing space for our children, their families, and the dedicated staff who care for them.

Let's show the power of our community and help create this vital space.