P&O Opens Healing Garden at Southampton General Hospital

P&O has always offered its passengers access to utter rest and relaxation, and now it’s taken this concept to a whole new level. As part of its commitment to enriching lives both at-sea and on-land the line has unveiled a serene new healing garden that’s been purpose built to give cancer patients a place to escape hospital halls and enjoy unparalleled peace.

From high seas to hospitals

The garden is housed within the grounds of the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre at Southampton General Hospital, and was made possible thanks to the generous fundraising efforts of the line’s passengers, crew and head office staff. Together they pooled together £25,000 to create a beautiful space that will enrich countless lives within the local community. As well as cancer patients being treated at Southampton General Hospital, the green retreat also welcomes friends, family and staff wanting a slice of rest and relaxation.

P&O Cruises’ Marketing Director, Christopher Edgington, was on-hand to attend the official opening, stating that “I am immensely proud on behalf of everyone at P&O Cruises who helped to make this healing garden a reality, and I am delighted that the money we raised has contributed to services right here in our local community, which is a truly fantastic legacy for everyone involved in our partnership.”

Rachel Gascoigne, Partnership Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support was also in attendance and praised the line for its efforts. “Cancer treatment can be an exhausting and overwhelming time,” she said. “Thanks to P&O Cruises, this garden has been transformed and is now a tranquil place where people can come to take time out and relax together.”

An ongoing commitment to cancer care

P&O Cruises has been working with Macmillan since February 2013, during which time the line has raised a huge £964,110. The cash is drummed up through dynamic events such as a 65 mile Isle of Wight walk, nationwide coffee mornings throughout the year and celebrity bake-offs led by Eric Lanlard.

All funds have been channelled directly into the leading cancer charity and used to offer its patients one of the best cancer support programmes the UK has to offer. With the healing garden now open, P&O Cruises has confirmed that it will continue to support the work of Macmillan and endeavour in its efforts to raise much needed cash for a wonderful cause.

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Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: Riccardo Cuppini