Hospital’s gardeners are blooming award winners

Patients and visitors to Queen Victoria Hospital often comment on how lovely its grounds are, and its gardening duo have proven such compliments are well placed as they’ve been given not one but two awards!

The hospital was recently awarded a certificate of excellence from South and South East in Bloom, and its gardeners – John Hobden and Kevin Tyrell-Dann – were also presented with a special ‘Hidden Heroes of Horticulture’ award by East Grinstead in Bloom.

Chair of East Grinstead in Bloom, Julie Mockford, caught up with John and Kevin at the hospital to personally congratulate them on their achievements. She said: “As Chair of East Grinstead in Bloom I have, for the first time this year, awarded the Hidden Heroes category at our annual award ceremony. John and Kevin work tirelessly on the grounds of Queen Victoria Hospital and received high praise from the South and South East in Bloom judges who appreciate how important the grounds are for the patients and staff alike. I felt that their endeavors should be celebrated and was happy they received these awards.”

John Hobden, the hospital’s Grounds Supervisor, said: “We’re delighted that Queen Victoria Hospital’s grounds have been recognised by South and South East in Bloom and also East Grinstead in Bloom. The Hidden Heroes of Horticulture award was a special surprise – it’s an honour to receive such a local and prestigious award. We enjoy making the hospital’s grounds look welcoming and bright and would like to thank the League of Friends of Queen Victoria Hospital for their ongoing support in funding equipment and plants to help us create such lovely outdoor environments.”

Steve Jenkin, Chief Executive of Queen Victoria Hospital, commented: “I’d like to add my thanks to John and Kevin for all they do to make our hospital welcoming for our staff, visitors and patients. They both work tirelessly and these awards are testament to their commitment.”

Pictured: John Hobden, Julie Mockford (Chair of East Grinstead in Bloom), Kevin Tyrell-Dann and Steve Jenkin (Queen Victoria Hospital Chief Executive) proudly pose with the hospital’s latest awards.

For more information please contact the QVH Press Office on 01342 414508.