A new 'zen' garden designed to help relieve stress will be built at Croydon Hospital after a donation from the South London Crematorium.

The £10,000 donation was announced on Thursday (August 5) with the funds due to go towards creating a therapeutic ‘zen’ garden for the families of seriously ill children, "providing them with a calming, peaceful place to spend a quiet moment of reflection during some of the most difficult times of their lives".

The South London Crematorium, part of The Crematorium and Memorial Group (CMG), made the donation after an appeal led by the Croydon Health Services NHS Trust Charitable Fund.

Elaine Clancy, Joint Chief Nurse for Croydon said:

"This donation will make a real difference to the families we support. Having a child in hospital can take a real emotional toll on loved ones and we’re keen to offer all the support we can to our patients and their relatives, whether that’s through a relaxing space for parents or through fun and engaging play zones for children, to offer a welcome distraction from the stresses that a hospital stay can bring."

"We’re incredibly thankful to South London Crematorium for their generous donation and look forward to continuing to celebrate the success of the appeal," she added.

Kirsty Wilkinson, Manager of South London Crematorium, said the organisation were "delighted" to help with the appeal:

"When Croydon Health Services Charitable Fund approached us for help, we could immediately recognise the challenges they face. We are delighted to help fund the hospital garden to ensure that children and parents in our communities receive the support they need."

The appeal continues and hopes to raise more money for the garden and the families it will help once finished. Click here for more information.