The challenge

A playground in the hospital ward garden can make a world of difference for children admitted on the ward and facing serious health challenges. It's a place where they can find joy and comfort, and it's also a vital tool for their recovery and emotional wellbeing.

For over 15 years, the children on the Bumblebee ward have been without a functional outdoor play area. Over time, the old equipment broke down and was never replaced.

These young patients, some battling cancer, diabetes, or complex mental health issues, remain confined to their ward cubicles, many of which have windows that do not open. They are missing out on fresh air and the simple, yet profound, benefits of nature and outdoor play.

This isn't just a gap; it's a long-standing neglect of their wellbeing.

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

Our strategic 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.

Read page 14 and 15 Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce June 2026 Newsletter.

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.

Read the Bumblebee Ward Garden article in the Hillingdon Herald.

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.

This project is very important to me. My 8year old son has Leukaemia and during his outpatient appointments, I must sit in the ward with him and wait for so long to be seen. A garden outside Bumblebee ward will be great and give us an outdoor space near the doctor’s office, where he can play while he waits to be seen! - Angela T (AJT’s mother).

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.

You can Whatsapp us dirctly to sign up

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.