Women’s charity steps in to give hospital brighter look

PATIENTS at a Yorkshire hospital will be able to enjoy a blaze of colour thanks to a local charity.

Local women’s group Skipton Soroptimists hope the gift will brighten up the grounds of Airedale Hospital, near Keighley.

Clare Shepherd, from the soroptimists and also a hospital volunteer, said: “They weren’t going to plant any bulbs this year due to a lack of funds so we decided to buy the bulbs with the proceeds from a book sale.”

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Head gardener Steve Marshall, said tulips and hyacinths had been planted at the west entrance which was one of its most prominent areas.

“Hundreds of people – patients, visitors and staff – pass this area daily and they can now look forward to walking by or sitting and admiring the beautiful bulbs,” he said.

“It’s an area the gardeners always take pride in and want to look its best. As a special thank you, we have planted blue and yellow hyacinths, the colours of Soroptimist International.”

Staff at the hospital are also organising a dance with a difference for people with Parkinson’s disease from 7pm-10pm on Monday April 29 at Holly Garth Social Club in Ilkley.

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Speech and language therapist Debra Borsley, who also plays trombone in the 18-piece the Syd Alan Big Band which will provide the music, said: “The aim is to provide a really good evening for our patients with Parkinson’s disease – some of whom have lost confidence going out socially.

“We find that some people with Parkinson’s can dance quite well – the music and rhythm seems to help them. However, the focus is on having a good night out.”