Our garden that looks like a teddy bear from the sky

17/07/2024

There is a corner of one of Cardiff's biggest parks that has been turned into a haven by Dreams & Wishes for families going through the hardest of times. The Celebration of Life garden in Heath Park has got a bear theme and even looks like a giant teddy bear from the sky.

The peaceful area of Heath Park stands just a stone's throw from Wales' largest hospital and has the aim of giving families whose children are having hospital treatment a place to get away for a time. There is a picnic area and a bear trail for the children to enjoy.

Dreams and Wishes wanted somewhere close to the University Hospital of Wales and the Noah's Ark Hospital and teddy bears were the obvious theme. We have also had help in its creation by local businesses, including Thames Valley Construction who have kindly helped with some clearance and construction on the site.

Charity chairman Tony Curtis says: "From dealing with families we know that was important for us to help create a beautiful area for them to have a bit of time away. The team from Thames Valley Construction have been amazing and the garden is looking really well. We knew a lot of families come here because it is near the hospital.

"We know how difficult it is for these parents, what they go through every single day, and we try to create special memories. I look back and see all the smiles, and all the laughter, and this is a special place where families can remember that. We really welcome all the support that we get in keeping the area special."

He added: "We recently had a lovely message from a mum whose daughter is having treatment at the hospital. She send us a lovely note saying how much they had enjoyed getting away for five minutes and her daughter loved seeing all the bears."