AN appeal to create a garden at Colchester General Hospital for use by terminally ill patients and their families is in the running for a £20,000 boost.

The Time Garden, now a quarter of the way to its target, will include a pavilion with space for two beds, a seating area, and its own utilities so people using it can make drinks and listen to music.

Located between the Emergency Assessment Unit and Radiotherapy Centre, it would be the only one of its kind in the east of England.

The appeal, led by the Colchester Hospitals Charity (CoHoc), has been shortlisted to receive £20,000 from Colchester Council.

The council is running its Big Choice grant scheme where organisations suggest where a total of £100,000 goes for projects which will provide a long lasting benefit to residents.

Members of the public are now being invited to vote for their favourite.

The deadline is March 10 with winners due to be confirmed later that month.

Bev Pickett, who is heading up the appeal and is the hospital's end of life facilitator, said: “We are really pleased we have been shortlisted. We really want the Colchester people to get behind it so having a grant from Colchester Council, voted for by our local people, would be lovely.”

Colne Valley Building Services has been awarded the contract to create the garden after a tendering process.

Around £40,000 has been raised of the £160,000 needed so far.

A recent Ladies' Night at Vineyard Bar in Osborne Street, Colchester, raised £600 for the appeal.

Hospital trust governor Ken Guyton will also be opening his garden up in Walton to visitors on April 29.

Tea and cakes will be served between 10am and 5pm at White Cottage, Cliff Parade, at a cost of £1 per person.

n Donate at www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/cohoc/timegarden

n For the full list of nominees and to vote, visit www.colchester.gov.uk/bigchoice