A SCHOOL in the Vale has sent an ‘army’ of volunteers to help at a nearby hospital.

Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg has sent a group of volunteers to Barry Hospital.

Head of the Welsh Bac, Sian James approached the Cardiff and Vale Health Charity about volunteering opportunities for pupils starting their community challenge in September 2019.

The Health Charity is now working with Year 11 pupils on a project to improve one of the courtyard gardens in Barry Hospital.

Members of the Health Charity met the pupils and their teacher Matthew Davies to show them the area and discuss some ideas.

The pupils spent their two community days at the hospital on September 17 and 18.

The school volunteers arrived laden with tools, buckets, compost and even a tea urn, and set to work straight away. They planned with little input from the Health Charity, and had their own individual tasks.

Sue Dickson-Davies, senior fundraiser who has been leading this project on behalf of the Health Charity, said: “The army of pupils all worked so hard together and have created a wonderful space for staff, visitors and patients of Barry Hospital.

“Trees have been trimmed, spring bulbs planted, bee bombs scattered, weeding done, paving cleaned, benches painted - it really has to been seen to be believed!

“The team even brought a couple of bird tables, so hopefully those and new flowers will bring more wildlife.

“I was astounded at what they’ve achieved in a small space of time - eight hours, 14 students, and one teacher made such a transformation!

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Year 11 and Mr Davies, and also to the Vale council, Asda and B&Q for donating items - a brilliant example of community working at its best.”

Cardiff and Vale Health Charity is already working with the school on an art project and will be looking forward to working together on further projects at Barry Hospital and within other areas of the Heath Board.

The work at Barry Hospital will enhance the current programme to improve the ‘first impression’ of all those visiting and working at Barry Hospital.

To find out more about volunteering for the Health Charity, email fundraising.cav@wales.nhs.uk; call 02921 836041; or visit healthcharity.wales