A sensory walkway that has opened in the grounds of Hospice Isle of Man is the result of a real team effort.

Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney and his wife Lady Gozney cut the ribbon on the walkway in an opening ceremony.

The garden, originally designed by celebrity gardener Diarmund Gavin, was made possible thanks to a legacy from Ted and Mary Murrell.

Hospice chief executive Anne Mills said: ’The Murrell Sensory Walkway has been a real collaborative effort by many people from differing backgrounds and all ages including Manx Workshop for the Disabled, patients, children and young people, volunteers, staff, corporates, local artists.

’It is a very fitting tribute to the Murrell family whose generosity made it all possible through their wonderful friendship with Hospice supporter Neil Rough.

’Our thanks also to Chris Duggan, our gardener, who retires this year leaves a wonderful legacy which touches all the senses as you go round the garden.’

The garden was developed by senior physiotherapist Alison Christian to improve the well-being of patients and their families during their time at Hospice.

Sensory elements of the garden include birds, bells and wind chimes, a range of plants, herbs and flowers and a variety of textures.

Illustrator Alice Quayle has mapped out two routes and youngsters will be encouraged to take part following a treasure hunt and colouring map.

Neil Rough, who had been a neighbour and friend of the couple, explained the garden was a fitting legacy to the ’kind, quiet and unassuming couple, adding : ’Ted was very proud of his garden and knowledgeable about the plants etc. and Mary loved to see the different colours and smell the fragrances as they developed each year.’

He added: ’Ted and Mary will be looking down on us all now and in the future with great pleasure, appreciation, satisfaction and thanks.’

Individuals and groups that contributed to the garden include the Manx Workshop for the Disabled, who made pergolas, trellises, seating and signage; Freda Dennis donated a potting shed in memory of her husband John; a team from Barclays painted the arbouries, seats and tables; and a team from Lloyds cleaned the all-weather static seating.

The garden itself has matured thanks to cuttings from many people’s gardens.

Fore more information visit www.hospice.org.im