The charitable arm of a world-famous Speyside food firm has brought north-east patients a step closer to having a new relaxation area.
The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation has donated £25,000 towards a new therapeutic roof garden at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Work to prepare the site’s glass wall for scaffolding began yesterday. It is hoped the instillation will be completed by the middle of August.
NHS Grampian healthcare chaplain James Falconer is leading the fundraising efforts for the project, to be located on the roof above the new entrance to ARI’s emergency department.
He said: “This very significant and generous donation takes us substantially closer to the £650,000 we need to get this very special garden in place.
“I know that both Gordon and Ena Baxter loved their own garden in Fochabers.
“We are tremendously grateful to the foundation for sharing our vision for a beautiful, supportive and inspiring place for inpatients. This large donation has given our fundraising appeal a huge boost.
” I know how much this green space will mean to patients in hospital — whether for a short or a long stay — and to their families and friends who visit them.”
Kay Jackson, foundation manager, said: “During their lifetimes, Gordon and Ena took a great interest in the many varied projects undertaken at ARI to help people from all over the north of Scotland.
“Trustees continue to admire the efforts of those who strive to improve the well being of patients and visitors to the hospital.
“The Baxter family is delighted to be able to support this innovative project, which has captured the hearts of people from far and near.”