A GARDEN of Hope supported by the Wirral Group of the Motor Neurone Disease Association is to be officially opened next week. 

The Garden is outside the Visitors Centre in Birkenhead Park and the borough mayor, Cllr Jeff Green, will be formally declaring it open on Wednesday afternoon, June 29.

“This is a very symbolic and beautiful garden for everyone to enjoy and also to find hope and peace,” said group chair Debbie Williams.

“Sadly Motor Neurone Disease has touched, and continues to touch, the lives of many people on the Wirral. It affects not just those living with this terminal disease but their families and friends and the ripples spread wide.

“The MND Association raises funds to help those with this illness and for research to find treatments and a cure and our local volunteers work tirelessly with these aims.

“Everyone needs time to relax, and enjoying the beauty of nature is such a soothingly way to unwind which is why we are delighted to have this Garden of Hope.

“We are indebted to the council for their support with this venture and with assisting local people living with MND so it is fitting that the Mayor should declare it open.”

Other guests at the event, which begins at 2.15 pm include Christine Sutcliffe, director of clinical services at Wirral Hospice St Johns, Professor John Quinn, the Group’s patron, who is chair of neurobiology at the University of Liverpool and Paula Sutton, MNDA area support coordinator.

A poem, ‘Son in Shades of Purple’ has been specially penned for the occasion and will be read by its author, Michael Sutton.