Mike Dolphin with members of the NEC team in the new St Giles Hospice garden

A group of volunteers from the NEC in Birmingham have helped create a new garden area at St Giles Hospice.

The Whittington-based charity welcomed the team for a week of digging, paving and planting at the Compassus Centre.

Mike Dolphin with members of the NEC team in the new St Giles Hospice garden
Mike Dolphin with members of the NEC team in the new St Giles Hospice garden
Designed to be wheelchair friendly, the garden has a benched seating area and a number of flower beds.

The NEC team chose the support St Giles after former employee Mike Dolphin started receiving care from the hospice.

Mike said: “It has been a phenomenal effort by everyone involved to create this beautiful garden area in such a short space of time and I am truly grateful.

“It’s been the perfect project which I know will benefit so many people.”

The materials were donated by organisers of BBC Gardeners World Live and local businesses, including Florascape Garden Centre.

Steve Cartmell, who led the project on behalf of the NEC, said: “It has been a pleasure to support another worthwhile charity, particularly one that has been helping a friend to the NEC.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from our colleagues, clients and local businesses to create this beautiful area. It was hard work but we are delighted with the end result and hope that it is enjoyed by patients at the hospice and their families for many years to come.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.