And Our Second Winner Is . . . It’s a pleasure to announce we’ve given nurse Claire Martinez a ‘brand new green space’ in our Gardens For Guardians campaign. Claire, who is 43 and a single mum to two boys aged six and ten, works as an assistant ward manager on the male acute mental health ward at her local hospital in Yorkshire. She was nominated by her neighbours in Greenbelt’s Oak Glen development in Gilstead in the free garden upgrade campaign we set up to say thank you to the wonderful NHS employees helping the UK stay safe throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. “Being nominated has meant so much,” says Claire. “The fact somebody thought of me and felt I deserved this just for going to work is incredible and very humbling. “Covid-19 has brought a whole new set of challenges. It hasn’t been an easy time but we’ve all pulled together to get through and do so with a smile for our patients who often don’t have anyone but us.” Claire says her garden was an “absolute wreck” before the transformation by Greenbelt. “I haven’t had the time or money to sort it in years,” she says, “so it’s never been a priority. I needed something low-maintenance so I asked Greenbelt for the old decking to be ripped up and artificial, turf to be put down so my boys have somewhere practical and low-maintenance to play.” “I also asked for a small corner of decking where I can put furniture to relax when the sun comes out and a new patio area where we can sit and eat outside and I can enjoy the odd beverage or two! “The upgrade is an absolutely incredible gift to both me and my children. It means we now have an outdoor space to play and relax. This is something I could never have provided anytime soon. I am so thankful.” Claire also has a personal message for her Greenbelt neighbours: “I already knew I lived in an amazing place. The feeling of community is what made me want to move here in the first place. “But now more than ever I feel very grateful to live where I do. Thank you so much for the nomination: you have no idea how much it means!” Stay tuned to Greenbelt News for updates on our third Gardens For Guardians winner. You can also find out about Greenbelt’s community work, including our partnership with the amazing charity Marie Curie. Previous article: Meet Our First Winner! Prev Next article: PENTAD . . . the gamechanger! Next