Sophie's secret garden

Published by Judi Samuels for Ascham Homes in Housing and also in Health

Sophie’s secret garden

Press release: 25 August 2009

Sophie is a beautiful 13 year old with a very rare condition called Hurlers 1, which causes progressively deteriorating mental decline and loss of physical skills. Sophie lives with her family in a council property managed by Ascham Homes, in Chingford, North-East London.

She has been unable to use their back garden because it was inaccessible due to her condition. The family and their local councillor asked Ascham Homes to rebuild the garden to give Sophie a chance to play safely. Ascham Homes said: “Although we can’t do it, we know someone who can!”

Breyer, one of our construction partners rose to the challenge and has produced and paid for a brilliant garden makeover. Their innovative garden design includes the use of recycled tyres that provide a safe surface for Sophie to play on.

Whilst the work was going on, Sophie was undergoing spinal surgery at the Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Breyer Group made sure that Sophie’s mum, Michelle, had a clean home to come back to. Michelle is not only delighted by her daughter’s transformed garden but was full of praise for the team that did the work, she said “ they always left my home clean and tidy, sweeping and mopping my floor, even making sure everything was locked up properly if I was delayed coming home from the hospital.”

Hassett Auguste, Chief Executive, Ascham Homes said: “We are delighted that Breyer was able to help in the true spirit of partnership.”

Kevin Hartland, Construction Director, Breyer said: "It has been
a pleasure to have been able to play a small part in enhancing Sophie's life."

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Contact:

Judi Samuels, Communications Co-ordinator
Ascham Homes Ltd
Willow House
869 Forest Road
Walthamstow
London
E17 4UH
Telephone: 020 8496 4576