Hugh’s haven!

THE parents of a baby who passed away in 2013 at Temple Street Hospital aged just eight months officially opened a new garden last week that’s been developed as a retreat for ill children and their parents.

The garden is dedicated to baby Hugh Curley, who spent most of his short life in Temple Street, and it’ll provide an outdoor sanctuary for children and parents attending the hospital.

Located on the corner of Mountjoy Square and Belvedere Place, it’s right next to Hugh’s House, established by his parents, Ade and Marty, to provide accommodation for families of young patients from outside Dublin.

The garden was created in just one day by staff from Aer Lingus who worked in teams of 10 to transform the near derelict site into a cheerful, inclusive space for sick children and their families.

Before Hugh died, Ade and Marty, his two older brothers Fred (3) and Theo (5) and his godmother Monica Macken, spent time with him every day.

During that period they witnessed the heartache and strain experienced by other families in similar circumstances. And they wanted to do something for them in memory of Hugh.

“We live in Dublin so we were able to visit Hugh every day of his short 247 day life while still being in a position to return home every night,

? explained Ade.

“Unfortunately not all parents of sick children can do this. We have created this wonderful Garden at Hugh’s House to help people who find themselves in the same traumatic position as us and could benefit from a space nearby the hospital where they can escape from the hospital environment.

“It’s just around the corner from the hospital so parents and families can easily walk around to it, along with children who are well enough to leave the hospital.

“The therapeutic benefits of spending time outdoors is well known and it is our hope that this city centre garden retreat will provide some small comfort for families who are going through the same tough experience that we did.

?

Hugh’s House and Garden and Aer Lingus were brought together by Difference Days, a company that matches organisations with charitable causes.

The Breffni Construction Group and the East Wall Men’s Shed are amongst a number of other volunteers who have already donated their services to the project.

While the facility has been privately established, it does welcome donations to help in running costs. The donation of time by skilled electricians, plumbers and decorators is particularly welcome currently.