A new ‘secret garden’ which was created in memory of a much-loved former nursing member of St Helier Hospital’s neonatal ward has officially opened.

The new area outside Ferguson House, which features two giraffe statues, was unveiled to patients, visitors, and staff at the hospital on May 23.

Former colleagues of Lesley Leahy, who qualified at St Helier 30 years ago, decided to honour her memory by fundraising to develop the new space.

Fiona Herbert, administration assistant and charity manager for the neonatal unit, said: “As Lesley loved nature and greenery, the secret garden is a great way for us to remember her.

“The giraffe statues have a lot of significance, as a few weeks before Lesley passed away, we adopted a giraffe for her and took her to hand feed them at Chessington Zoo.

“The zoo guide took us to the outside feeding area where the named adoption plaque was. Lesley commented that it was the best day out she had ever had.”

Efforts at fundraising events were also praised to help make the ‘secret garden’ possible, such as cake sales and raffles.

In addition, the League of Friends for St Helier Hospital were also thanked as a wooden bench was donated in memory of a former volunteer and his son, Tom and Adrian Hammant.

There are also strawberry plants in the space, a picnic table which provides wheelchair access and space for pushchairs, as well as houses for birds, butterflies, and ladybirds.

Daniel Elkeles, Epsom and St Helier trust’s chief executive, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to the neonatal team for leading on this wonderful project in memory of Lesley.

“Thank you also to the family and loved ones of our dedicated staff who gave up their time to help.

“The secret garden looks wonderful and I am sure staff, patients and visitors will really appreciate having this tranquil outdoor space.”

The garden was officially opened by the help of two former neonatal patients, Freddie and Connor, as well as some children from the onsite nursery.