One of the area’s biggest charity funders has stepped into enable the Countess Charity to finally start work on the first phase of its Memory Lane project.

The Chester-based Marjory Boddy Charitable Trust this week presented members of the project team with a cheque for £18,000 which will enable work to start on creating a lounge area and adjoining garden for vulnerable elderly patients being cared for in wards 50 and 51 of the Countess of Chester Hospital.

The £190,000 appeal is designed to enhance facilities, improve dignity and develop a more appropriate environment for this growing group of patients who may need longer periods of in-patient care.

The lounge and garden will link to the wards via a fully-refurbished ‘memory lane’ walkway which will incorporate various exhibits and features within a secure environment to provide interest and stimulation.

The Marjory Boddy Charitable Trust was formed in 2002. Based in Chester, it awards grants totalling in excess of £70,000 a year to many local charities.

“We’re particularly pleased to be able to support the Countess Charity in this way,” said Marjory Boddy Trust Chairman, Bill Benoy.

“With so many of us now living so much longer, it’s important that we do what we can to help ensure that patients and their families have the best possible environment and facilities within which to address their needs.”

Thanking the trust for its latest support, The Countess Charity’s Trust & Legacy fundraiser Ngozi Ikoku said: “The trust has been a long-standing supporter of a number of charitable initiatives throughout the Countess of Chester Health Park.

“This latest donation represents a major boost to our appeal and will help us make a real difference to patients and their families at a time in their lives when it’s particularly needed.”

The Marjory Boddy Charitable Trust welcomes applications for grants from registered charities related but not confined to the areas of health, education, welfare and the arts.

Such organisations should be based within the Chester, West Cheshire or surroundings areas, and/or be able to demonstrate that their activities deliver a direct benefit or meet the specific needs of groups or individuals within those local communities, particularly those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged or overlooked.