Volunteers from Simon’s Heroes Children’s Charity have transformed the garden of a 13-year-old girl with an undiagnosed, life limiting neurodegenerative disease, to give her a safe, outdoor space she can enjoy and relax in.
Mia Parnell from Swadlincote has a progressive condition, which affects many of her body’s functions such as balance, movement and eyesight. These symptoms have continued to worsen as she has grown, and she is now becoming more dependent on her wheelchair.
“We have been fundraising for Mia for a while”, her mum Sarah explained. “We do not know how much time we have left with her and want to create as many memories as possible. Mia loves her garden, which was becoming less accessible as her condition deteriorated. So many activities have been cancelled over the last 18 months due to the pandemic, and our garden has become an even more valuable space for creating memories in and protecting her.
“We wanted to create a sensory garden for her to enjoy, as she cannot do the things she used to. Creating a more interactive, functional outside space for her would give her a sense of normality and pride.”
Members of Simon’s Heroes, with the help of Mia’s grandad, stepped in to create ‘Mia’s Corner’, an area in her garden where she can rest and enjoy the outdoor space. This included building a decked area with pagoda over, a ramp for wheelchair access, outdoor seating and raised flowerbeds, which Mia can tend to at wheelchair height.
“What an amazing weekend Mia had spending time with and watching the Simon’s Heroes team transform our garden. We are so grateful! They worked so hard all weekend to make a safe area for Mia to now be able to enjoy the garden. There are not enough words to explain how much joy this is going to bring her. But not only that, we also made memories that will last a lifetime. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
A special thank you to Elliot Flannagan of Flantastic Timbers, whose contribution was very much appreciated.
Author C Abbott.
