Partnership Transforms Garden for Greenwich Family in Need

Axis, Axis Foundation and Housing Association Peabody Transform Garden for Greenwich Family in Need

Brenden Robinson, aged 23, lives with a rare genetic disorder called Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, which affects his mobility. As a wheelchair-user, he needed a larger and safer place to play, with level flooring.

Brenden has complex needs that require 24-hour care, seven days a week. He doesn’t like big crowds and gets frustrated when he’s unable to go out in the garden.

His father, John, describes his son as a “happy go lucky young man who always has a smile on his face, even on bad days”.

After spotting a crowd funding page, partners housing association Peabody, Axis and the Axis Foundation, provided a bigger, brighter and safer space where Brenden feels happy and can have fun playing outdoors. Now, Brenden can have fun in the garden with his family or enjoy the peace and quiet by himself.

The Axis Foundation funded the refurbishment, and Axis reinstalled better quality paving that is smoother and safer. They also re-turfed the lawn, built planters and filled them with soil making the entire space accessible for Brenden’s wheelchair. They addtionally  put in a new fence, using funds contributed by Peabody,

Axis’ sub-contractor M&R, donated and fitted the shed, giving two additional days’ free labour to the project. And Axis’ supplier Global Stones generously donated the paving slabs.

“It is unbelievable. This will really help Brenden with a better quality of life. We would like to thank Axis, the Axis Foundation and Peabody. They have been amazing” – Brenden’s parents

Peter Varney, Chairman of the Axis Foundation Trustees, said: “This project vividly represents what the Axis Foundation is all about and how it is a force for good. The Foundation believes in giving help where it is really needed, and where it can change a life. Here the Foundation has changed Brendan’s life.

“The partnership of Axis – operatives, supplier and subcontractor and the Foundation – with Peabody has created a space for this young man and his family to enjoy together now and in the future. We wish the family well.”

Nicola Barcoe, Partnering Manager at Axis, added: “It was a pleasure working with the Robinson family to create a new outside area for Brenden, which will improve his and his family’s quality of life and hopefully will give years of enjoyment to him and his family. I thoroughly enjoyed project managing these works through to completion and being the main point of contact for the family.

“I would like to personally thank the Axis foundation for the funding and Peabody for funding fencing works, as well as our contractor M&R who donated a shed and some of the labour to enable Axis to give the family such an open and beautiful space.”

Elly Hoult, Chief Operating Officer at Peabody said: “Meeting Brenden and his family in the garden has truly moved me. From what I’ve seen of the pictures of the garden before, I can see that this has been an incredible transformation. Thank you to everyone involved.”