A gift of thanks- £10,000 donation transforms St Helier Hospital Quiet Garden

When Manju Pillai, a mum of two from Banstead, fell critically ill after returning from holiday, she spent weeks under the care of the intensive care team at St Helier Hospital.

Manju’s symptoms began with numbness in her legs, which quickly worsened until she lost the ability to walk. Her condition deteriorated so rapidly that she was admitted to hospital, intubated, and placed in intensive care. After extensive tests, she was eventually diagnosed with a rare “immune-mediated neurological syndrome”, a little-known condition that is complex to diagnose and where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own nervous system. 

During her time in hospital, Manju remembers the extraordinary kindness shown by everyone who care for her – from consultants and nurses, to porters, cleaners and volunteers.

“Their dedication gave me a second chance at life,” she said. “My family and I will never forget it.”

At her lowest moments, one thing that brought Manju comfort was trips to the hospital’s garden. But she knew it had greater potential and made a silent promise to transform the space once she had recovered. 

Staying true to her word, Manju and her business, Pillai Tutors, donated an incredible £10,000 to Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity to redevelop the garden. Thanks to their generosity we were able to build a new entrance, update the fencing, cut back the overgrown trees, clean the space and plant new and colourful plants ready for next spring. The space has transformed into a calm, green haven to be enjoyed by patients, visitors, and staff for years to come. 

Recently, Manju returned with her family and Pillai Tutors to officially open the garden and reunite with some of the staff who cared for her.

“Supporting this garden was my way of saying thank you,” said Manju. “I hope it brings comfort to many others, just as it did for me.”

Molly Simpson, Head of Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity said:

“We are so thankful to Manju and Pillai Tutors for this remarkable gift. Green spaces like this have such a positive impact on wellbeing, and this garden amongst the built up buildings of St Helier, will become a dedicated space for a breath of fresh air.”

The garden transformation is just one of several projects the Charity is delivering to improve green spaces across our hospitals, creating environments that aid recovery, provide respite and support staff wellbeing.

If you’d like to help us continue this work and fund more projects like Manju’s, please consider donating today.