Young leukaemia patient gets a dream garden for Christmas
A YOUNG cancer patient’s back garden has been transformed into a safe haven for him to play in.
It’s hoped the new garden will allow Iuestyn Bassett, six, to play outside without fear of infection, allowing him to enjoy Christmas at home instead of in hospital.
“I love everything about my new garden,” he said.
His nan Toni John, who cares for Iuestyn and his sister Chantay at her home in Brackla, Bridgend, said: “The garden has made such a difference to Iuestyn – he can play safely and I don’t have to worry about him.”
The change is all down to Wales and West Housing’s (WWH) staff, sponsors and contractors.
Since Iuestyn was diagnosed with the acute lymphoblastic leukaemia two years ago, he has had several courses of chemotherapy and blood transfu- sions, which will continue until next November.
Every Christmas since his diagnosis Iuestyn has been rushed to hospital with infections as the treatment affects his immune system. As a result he has to be kept at home, away from his friends – so Toni wanted to create a safe garden for him in place of the “mud bath” in the back yard.
And social landlord WWH made her dream come true thanks to funds raised at its Making A Difference Awards 2017, where Iuestyn was presented with a Special Inspiration Award. At the event, one of the sponsors, Rhys Morgan of the Vaillant Group, was so touched by Iuestyn’s story that he donated two auction prizes of golfing days which raised £750.
The family decided to use the money to transform Iuestyn’s garden and WWH was only too glad to help.
WWH asset management officer Andrew Lester and commercial manager Peter Jenkins levelled the garden, and asked contractors Jewson, Green Futures, 1st Communications and Air Control Ventilation to supply materials free or at cost price. Staff from WWH’s subsidiary Cambria Maintenance Services built new steps and a picket fence.
During the summer Andrew worked in his spare time, building decking and laying artificial turf while colleague David Benbow finished the play area. Finally, play equipment makers Plum Play provided a sturdy climbing frame at a discounted rate.
Toni said: “I can’t thank Wales and West enough for all they have done.”